Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Sachs Warns US Immigration Curbs Could Reshape India-US Technology Ties
Jeffrey Sachs says the United States is making it harder for some skilled workers to get employment-based immigration opportunities.
He thinks this could make it harder for the US to attract talented people.
Some Indian technology companies may not feel a big immediate effect, but more Indian professionals might decide to work and build businesses in India.
Sachs says India should keep working with the US but should not depend on it alone.
He wants India to build stronger partnerships with other parts of the world.
He also says India is right to carefully review whether Starlink can operate there.
Satellite internet can involve important security questions, he said.
Sachs believes India should develop its own satellite broadband services as well as allow foreign companies to operate under Indian rules.
Economist Jeffrey D. Sachs criticised reported US limits on employment-based immigration, saying they could weaken American technological leadership.
He said the immediate effect on Indian IT companies may be limited, but skilled Indian professionals could increasingly choose to stay in India.
Sachs urged India to prepare for uncertainty in US economic policy while maintaining constructive relations and broadening international partnerships.
He defended India's review of Starlink, saying satellite communications involve security and sovereignty, and criticised Elon Musk's public pressure.
Sachs called for India to build domestic satellite broadband capabilities and invest in education, research, digital infrastructure and technology.
- Who
- Economist Jeffrey D. Sachs, discussing US immigration and economic policies, India-US ties, and Starlink.
- What
- Sachs criticised US immigration restrictions, warned of greater uncertainty in economic ties, and urged India to strengthen domestic technology capabilities and diversify partnerships.
- When
- In an interview with Republic; no interview date is stated.
- Where
- The discussion concerns the United States and India.
- Why
- Sachs said immigration restrictions could affect technology and talent flows, while policy uncertainty makes it important for India to build resilience and strategic autonomy.
Sachs's concerns and recommendations
Policies and positions discussed
Employment-based immigration
Sachs's concerns and recommendations
Sachs argued that restrictions reflect resistance to immigration and competition, could undermine US technological leadership, and may encourage Indian talent to remain in India.
Policies and positions discussed
The article reports tighter US employment-based immigration pathways, including a reported PERM pathway suspension affecting major technology companies; it does not provide the US government's rationale.
Starlink approval and public criticism
Sachs's concerns and recommendations
Sachs said India's security review is legitimate and criticised Elon Musk's public comments as commercial lobbying that could pressure the government.
Policies and positions discussed
Musk reportedly called the delay in approving Starlink operations in India “a crime against the people of India.”
India-US economic ties
Sachs's concerns and recommendations
Sachs urged India to maintain constructive relations with Washington while diversifying partnerships and strengthening domestic capabilities.
Policies and positions discussed
The article identifies US tariffs, proposed H-1B fee increases and immigration restrictions as sources of uncertainty, but does not include a response from US officials.
- Interviewee
- Jeffrey D. Sachs, economist
- Immigration issue
- The article describes a reported suspension of the PERM employment-based green-card pathway for major technology companies.
- Potential impact on India
- Sachs said immediate effects on Indian IT companies may be limited, while longer-term restrictions could influence where skilled professionals work.
- US-India policy concerns
- Sachs cited US tariff pressure, proposed higher H-1B visa fees and restrictions affecting employment-based green-card sponsorship.
- Starlink
- Sachs said India may conduct its security review on its own timetable and set conditions for foreign satellite providers.
- Domestic technology
- Sachs called for Indian satellite broadband capabilities involving domestic operators, and highlighted ISRO and NSIL.
- Partnerships Sachs named
- China, other BRICS members, ASEAN, the Gulf, Africa and Europe.