Prime Minister Modi’s U.S. Visit: A Crucial Opportunity to Address Discriminatory Quotas in Immigration System

Featured & Cover  Prime Minister Modi’s U S Visit A Crucial Opportunity to Address Discriminatory Quotas in Immigration System

As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his imminent visit to the United States, a pressing question emerges: Will he confront the systemic discrimination experienced by millions of Indian workers within the U.S. immigration system? Will he call on President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to enforce U.S. civil rights laws and rectify the inequitable treatment faced by Indians solely due to their country of origin?

For decades, the U.S. immigration system has systematically discriminated against millions of Indian nationals living and working legally in the country, confining them within a bureaucratic maze due to antiquated, country-of-birth quotas. This form of discrimination stands in violation of the United Nations’ International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and U.S. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Highly skilled Indian professionals, who significantly contribute to the U.S. economy, find themselves entangled in endless USCIS red tape. This has hampered their ability to advance, change jobs, or establish their own businesses, curtailing their career growth and personal freedom. Despite their legal status and years of dedicated service, their progress is hindered by the current system.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit represents a critical chance to address this issue with President Biden and Vice President Harris, advocating for immediate and impactful changes to end this discriminatory practice.

The Discrimination: Country-of-Birth Quotas

Central to this issue is the U.S. employment-based green card system, which imposes arbitrary limits on the number of green cards issued to immigrants based on their country of birth. These country-of-birth quotas disproportionately affect Indian nationals, who constitute a significant segment of the U.S. high-skilled workforce, particularly in technology, healthcare, and engineering sectors.

Indian professionals, despite their substantial contributions to the U.S. economy, are subjected to waiting periods that can extend over decades due to these quotas. Even though they fulfill all legal requirements for permanent residency, their path to a green card is obstructed merely because of their birthplace. This system not only restricts their career opportunities but also limits the freedom of their families, placing spouses in restrictive visa situations and creating legal uncertainties for children as they age out of dependent status.

The Human Toll: Living in Limbo

For countless Indian workers, this policy has transformed the American Dream into an American nightmare. Many entered the U.S. legally, often on H-1B visas, and have dedicated years to contributing to America’s growth and innovation. However, they remain trapped in legal limbo, unable to advance in their careers or pursue the freedom and opportunities they sought when they first arrived.

Indian nationals face severe consequences, including:

– Job stagnation: Their visa status prevents them from changing employers or seeking promotions without jeopardizing their path to permanent residency.

– Restricted mobility: Indian immigrants encounter travel limitations and cannot work freely in the U.S. like their counterparts from other countries.

– Family hardships: Spouses, many of whom are skilled professionals, are often barred from working, and children face the threat of deportation upon turning 21.

This country-of-birth discrimination creates a dual-tier system, treating workers from countries like India as second-class, despite their crucial contributions to the U.S. economy.

Will Prime Minister Modi Take a Stand?

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the U.S. presents an opportunity to advocate for these millions of Indian nationals. As the leader of the world’s largest democracy, it is his responsibility to defend the rights and dignity of Indian citizens globally. By addressing this issue with President Biden and Vice President Harris, Prime Minister Modi can push for necessary reforms that have been long overdue.

Several potential solutions are available:

– Executive Action: The Biden administration could take executive action to amend or abolish the country-of-birth quotas for employment-based green cards, allowing highly skilled Indian workers to apply based on merit rather than nationality.

– Legislative Reform: Congress could enact immigration reform legislation to eliminate the discriminatory quota system, ensuring a fairer system for all workers, regardless of their country of origin.

– Temporary Relief Measures: Short-term solutions, such as expanding work permits for spouses and dependents or allowing greater job mobility for H-1B visa holders, could improve the living conditions of Indian workers in the U.S.

The Role of Vice President Kamala Harris

Vice President Kamala Harris, who has Indian heritage through her mother, could play a pivotal role in this dialogue. As someone familiar with the challenges faced by immigrants and who has publicly supported immigration reform, Vice President Harris could be a strong advocate for ending this discrimination. Her involvement, alongside Prime Minister Modi’s, could elevate this issue within U.S.-India relations and encourage the Biden administration to take concrete actions to address the injustices faced by Indian workers.

The Stakes for U.S.-India Relations

The U.S. and India enjoy a robust partnership grounded in shared interests in trade, security, and technological progress. However, for this relationship to reach its full potential, both nations must also focus on the fair treatment of their citizens. Indian immigrants have been integral to the U.S. economy, yet outdated laws continue to hinder their advancement. By championing these individuals, Prime Minister Modi can reinforce the U.S.-India bond, ensuring that both countries adhere to their shared values of equality, opportunity, and justice.

This issue transcends immigration policy; it concerns human rights, fairness, and the dignity of workers who have fulfilled their obligations and more. It is a test of both nations’ commitment to equality and non-discrimination.

A Historic Opportunity for Change

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a historic chance to advocate for the millions of Indian nationals during his U.S. visit. By addressing the discriminatory country-of-birth quotas with President Biden and Vice President Harris, he can initiate long-awaited reforms that will provide relief to diligent Indian professionals and their families.

Will Prime Minister Modi seize this moment and push for the end of this unjust system? Millions of Indian workers in the U.S. are counting on his leadership. The world is watching, and the time for change is now.

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