The H-1B visa programme, a key route for Indian professionals to work in the United States, came under fresh scrutiny in Congress this week as lawmakers debated reforms to support economic growth and address labour shortages in an ageing workforce.  At a US Congress Joint Economic Committee hearing, policymakers and experts questioned whether the current lottery-based system is fit for purpose, with proposals ranging from wage-based selection to greater worker mobility.

 

Chairman David Schweikert said the US faces a demographic challenge that could weaken long-term economic stability. Schweikert raised concerns about whether the current H-1B system suppresses wages due to its employer-sponsored structure and limited worker mobility. The hearing focused on labour inflows as the country grapples with near-zero population growth, declining fertility rates, and a shrinking pool of young workers entering the workforce. Lawmakers also examined the broader economic impact of immigration. Witnesses said high-skilled immigration boosts productivity and long-term wage growth, though it can create short-term fiscal pressures due to increased demand for services.

 

The programme has long been debated in Washington, with policymakers balancing the need to attract global talent against concerns over wages, worker protections, and the structure of visa allocation.