US visa changes address immigration issues, not India-specific, says Marco Rubio

Amid concerns over tighter US work visa rules that could affect thousands of Indian professionals, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday insisted that the Trump administration's H-1B visa restrictions are not aimed at India, saying that the country is prioritising American workers and national interests as it overhauls its immigration system.

In an exclusive interview, Rubio said the changes had affected Indians seeking jobs in the US and American businesses looking to hire them, but stressed that India was not being singled out.

"It's not one that's built on India. It's not one that's focused on India," Rubio said, referring to the changes in immigration laws. "It happens to impact Indians that want to come to the United States and work and that our businesses are trying to bring in, but it's not geared towards India. It is global," the top Trump official specified.

Responding to a question about whether the United States should continue welcoming highly skilled Indian professionals as it seeks to rebuild its industrial base, Rubio said Washington was attempting to address what it considers



longstanding problems with its immigration system, including alleged fraud, abuse and concerns about American workers losing employment opportunities.

"The United States has had a broken immigration system," he said.

"We've had business-related immigration programmes that in many cases have been rampant fraud and abuse and have been misused in ways that have not made sense," Rubio added.

The US, he added, was trying to address these concerns and establish a system that worked for its economy and citizens.

"So these things have to be addressed and we're trying to address them, but they're not aimed at India. They apply to any country, every country in the world," he said.

The State Secretary's remarks come amid concerns in India over changes to the US H-1B visa programme, which allows American employers to hire foreign professionals in specialised occupations. Indian nationals account for a substantial share of H-1B visa holders, making changes to the programme particularly consequential for Indian technology workers, professionals and companies that rely on overseas talent.