Indra’s Drishtikona (Viewpoint)

Confusion or Helplessness of Immigrant Technocrats in US

Posted : May 27, 2005 at 11:59 pm [IST]

During the last four months that we are in US, I have met a number of young technocrats. They all are working for many big and small tech companies. In this excellent housing complex where we are living with my youngest unmarried son, there are plenty of these young men along with many others of different nationality but of non-American origin. Many of them are married with one or two small kids.
It surprising that even though they are living and working here in US for 10-12 years, they have not got their green cards, the passport to work and live here as long as they want. Their H-1 visas are for a period and just after the expiry, they are to leave US unless they get extension. And as they leave US, the whole lot of their contribution to social security fund will, for all practical purposes, will become useless for them. And can you believe it the amount in manys account may be running into hundred of thousands? Why shouldnt the US government transfer that amount, at least the part contributed by these men, to their country where they will go back and permanently get settled? Why should the country to which these people belong not press USA government to part with that money?

I wonder why these people are living a life of uncertainty not returning to their own countries. Is living in our country so bad still? It does not appear so after I read huge number of Americans. But the reason may be different. I can say one thing that after so many years of working here in US, it will be very difficult for these people to get a job of their choice and with emoluments that they may be expecting. Many people with similar or better knowledge and experience are already available in those countries. Every one knows that Infosys selects one thousand persons out of 1,00,000 applicants. The more number of years these people will stay in US, the more difficult it will become to go back and settle properly in their own country and lead a happy life.

I wonder US government, senators, and media are talking about the problems of illiterate menial immigrants from Mexico, almost everyday. The national debate covers the costs and benefits of admitting uneducated, and unskilled people and the political aspects of the immigration. They are also talking about some bills for them. But they hardly talk about these technocrats. Most of these technocrats have been educated in US universities. They have paid the huge tuition fees. They have paid taxes and perhaps social securitymoney too on every amount they earned since the university days. Their hard work has made the bottom line of their companies swell to make their companies possible to pay to all the other stakeholders regularly. They have made the consumer market as wellas housing sector flourish with their expenditures on rentals and other consumables. They are the major force behind the economy of the country with their direct and indirect contributions.

Some American intellectuals call them global asset and wish that the government should entice them to become mobile, global, American assets. But still they are temporary residents with an uncertain future about permanent settlement.

The National Academy of Sciences estimates that a college-educated immigrant delivers $1,98,000 impact on USA fiscal picture, paying far more in taxes than he receives in social spending. Now imagine the opportunity cost: taking in one hundred thousand college graduates would generate an additional $21 billion over their life times.

And the American Immigration Law foundation states, “a better educated populace earns more, pay more taxes and has less need for public health.” And let me assure that the progeny of these educated immigrants, particularly of Indian origin, also will be better-educated ones, at least for one generation.

But still the reality is that hundred thousands or more are living a life of uncertainty. And the allurement of American quality of life is holding them back from going back to their home country. And I dont know how much the management of these top companies is helpful to mitigate this condition. But one thing is there for sure. They know as much I know, a person who is uncertain about his career and living under pressure, cant contribute the best. Why should the industrial associations put the right pressure on the government to expedite the decision about the green cards of these people?

When I talk to them, I feel bad. Some of them have not yet married because of the uncertainty. Some are not able to decide about buying a house.

I wonder who can help to solve the issue. Certainly the President Bush can. Many American celebrities including Bill Gates, Andy Grove, and Friedman have talked on the issue publicly. Other forum such IIT Alumni Associations can take up the issue. Even our Prime Minister during his forthcoming visit to US should take up the cause of these people.However, US must not treat them at the same level along with the menial immigrants from neighboring countries.

US should issue green cards and. if requested, citizenship to those technocrats, who are

· Working without break with tech companies for more than 5 years.

· Graduates from US Universities with global or established companies for more than 3 year.

· Ph.D.

· Between 25to 35 years in age.

It will be a win/win for the person and US.
I request you to come out with suggestions on the issue in a big way. Will you please?

P.S.:Please do me favour. Please e-mail this entry to all your friends in US and request for a comment on my behalf.

- Indra

Category: IRS in US '05 |