8 hrs ago
Ex-Amazon H-1B Worker Criticizes US Immigration Curbs
Shobhit Mathur once worked at Amazon on an H-1B visa.
He says Indian professionals helped build important technology at the company.
The United States has paused some applications that can help certain foreign workers get permanent residency.
India says this pause does not automatically change people’s existing H-1B visas.
Mathur and India’s government objected to foreign workers being called “indentured servants.”
He says the H-1B system has problems, but it is unfair to judge every worker or the whole programme the same way.
He is also concerned that anti-immigrant talk could make Indian Americans feel unwelcome.
Mathur wants India to improve education, technology, business conditions and cities so people can build their futures there.
Shobhit Mathur said Indian H-1B workers contributed to Amazon’s early technological development, including work that helped it evolve beyond e-commerce.
The United States suspended PERM applications for employees at eight major technology companies, affecting eligible workers’ routes to permanent residency.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the PERM suspension does not itself affect existing H-1B visas, but may affect eligible employees’ permanent residency process.
Mathur and India’s government criticized Vice-President JD Vance’s description of foreign workers as “indentured servants.”
Mathur urged India to invest in education, technology and infrastructure so skilled workers have stronger prospects at home.
- Who
- Shobhit Mathur, co-founder and vice-chancellor of Rishihood University, and India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
- What
- Mathur criticized US immigration restrictions and defended the contributions of Indian professionals working in technology.
- Where
- The United States and India; Mathur spoke to NDTV.
- When
- The MEA issued its statement on October 9; the article does not specify the year.
- Why
- A US suspension of PERM applications at eight major technology companies raised concerns about eligible foreign workers’ paths to permanent residency.
Criticism of restrictions
Concerns and qualifications
Immigrant workers’ contribution
Criticism of restrictions
Mathur said Indian professionals helped build Amazon’s technology and argued that the United States should not disregard immigrants’ contributions.
Concerns and qualifications
Mathur acknowledged that the H-1B system has challenges and that fraud exists, while cautioning against judging the entire programme by those problems.
PERM suspension
Criticism of restrictions
The suspension may hinder eligible foreign employees at the affected companies from pursuing permanent residency, prompting concern from Mathur and India.
Concerns and qualifications
India’s MEA emphasized that PERM is separate from H-1B and that the suspension does not by itself affect existing H-1B visas or holders’ status.
Foreign-worker rhetoric
Criticism of restrictions
India’s MEA called JD Vance’s “indentured servants” description deeply offensive, and Mathur said it was inappropriate for people who helped build the country.
Concerns and qualifications
Mathur suggested domestic politics may influence such language, but the article does not provide a response from Vance or the US administration.
Key facts
- Interviewee
- Shobhit Mathur, co-founder and vice-chancellor of Rishihood University
- Amazon tenure
- Mathur said he worked at Amazon from 2005 to 2009.
- US action
- PERM applications were suspended for employees at eight major technology companies.
- PERM and H-1B
- India’s MEA said the PERM suspension is separate from the H-1B programme and does not by itself affect existing H-1B visas.
- Potential impact
- The suspension could affect the permanent residency process for eligible employees.
- MEA statement
- India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued its statement on October 9.
- Mathur’s proposals
- He called for investment in higher education, technology, easier business conditions and city infrastructure in India.
Quotes
Shobhit Mathur
Former Amazon H-1B worker and co-founder and vice-chancellor of Rishihood University
“These people who have helped build your country as well, along with, of course, Americans, you can't call them indentured servants.”
NDTV
“Is Amazon forgetting that or is the US forgetting that and kicking the ladder now?”
NDTV
Sources
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