WASHINGTON: 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. “We have to deal with the reality of our changing demographics and stagnant population growth, ” he said. “Today, the population of retirees is booming while that of prime working-aged adults is flat. This is not sustainable and threatens our economic security.”
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.