Phasing out the H1-B visa will have far-reaching consequences for Bangladeshis
The decisions made about the H-1B visa in the coming months will shape not only the future of US immigration, but also the dreams and aspirations of thousands of Bangladeshis who see the United States as a land of opportunity
The US presidential election is not just a domestic affair; its outcomes ripple across the globe, affecting economies, foreign relations, and immigration policies.
For Bangladesh, a country with a growing number of students and professionals looking to the United States for higher education and career opportunities, the immigration policies of US leaders hold particular importance.
One program that has long served as a gateway to the American dream is the H-1B visa, which allows skilled foreign workers to contribute to the US economy, particularly in high-demand fields such as technology, engineering, and healthcare.
Over the years, the number of Bangladeshis heading to the U.S. has steadily increased. According to the Open Doors Report by the Institute of International Education (IIE), a record number of 13,563 Bangladeshi students were enrolled in US institutions in the 2022-2023 academic year, representing a significant rise compared to previous years.
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The impact would not be limited to individuals. Bangladesh has benefited immensely from remittances sent by its diaspora, including those working in the US. A reduction in H-1B opportunities could diminish these remittance flows, affecting not only the families of migrant workers but also the national economy.
Many of these students aim to transition into the American workforce upon graduation, with the H-1B visa being their primary route. For countless Bangladeshi families, sending their children to study and work in the U.S. is seen as an investment in a brighter future. However, the ongoing debate surrounding the H-1B visa program under Donald Trump's campaign has cast uncertainty over this pathway.
Trump's return to the political spotlight has reignited his populist "Make America Great Again" slogan and his hardline "America First" doctrine. While his base applauds these policies for protecting American jobs and industries, his stance on immigration, both legal and illegal, has been a polarising issue.
The H-1B visa program, despite being a legal immigration pathway, has not escaped scrutiny. Critics within Trump's camp argue that the program allows US companies to hire skilled foreign workers at lower wages, which they claim disadvantages American workers. This narrative resonates deeply with Trump's nationalist supporters, who view any expansion of the program as a betrayal of the American workforce.
The appointment of Indian-born entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan as Trump's adviser on artificial intelligence has added fuel to the fire. Krishnan has advocated for expanding the H-1B visa program to ensure that the U.S. remains a global leader in technology and innovation.
While his stance aligns with tech industry giants like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, it has drawn fierce backlash from anti-immigration factions within Trump's support base. The criticism highlights a growing divide within the MAGA movement, with one side emphasising economic nationalism and the other recognising the importance of global talent in sustaining America's competitive edge.
For Bangladesh, the implications of this debate are profound. The US has long been a top destination for Bangladeshi students pursuing higher education, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.
Many of these students, after years of rigorous study and training, seek to contribute to the American economy through the H-1B visa program. Any tightening of this program would disrupt these aspirations, forcing Bangladeshi graduates to explore alternative destinations such as Canada, Australia, or Germany, where immigration policies are often more welcoming.
The impact would not be limited to individuals. Bangladesh has benefitted immensely from remittances sent by its diaspora, including those working in the US. A reduction in H-1B opportunities could diminish these remittance flows, affecting not only the families of migrant workers but also the national economy.
Furthermore, the prestige associated with having a strong presence in global innovation hubs could be undermined, slowing Bangladesh's progress on the world stage.
The broader implications of the H-1B debate also serve as a wake-up call for Bangladesh. The country must strengthen its domestic tech and innovation ecosystems to retain talent that might otherwise seek opportunities abroad.
By investing in higher education, particularly in STEM disciplines, and fostering a startup-friendly environment, Bangladesh can position itself as a competitive player in the global knowledge economy. Initiatives to build robust tech hubs and provide incentives for entrepreneurship could encourage talented individuals to contribute to the nation's development rather than looking overseas for better opportunities.
As Trump is set to take office, Bangladeshi students, professionals, and policymakers alike are paying close attention. The H-1B visa debate encapsulates broader questions about globalisation, nationalism, and economic policy, which will have far-reaching consequences for all stakeholders.
For Bangladesh, the stakes are high. The decisions made about the H-1B visa in the coming months will shape not only the future of US immigration, but also the dreams and aspirations of thousands of Bangladeshis who see the United States as a land of opportunity.
Ultimately, the debate over the H-1B visa program underscores the interconnected nature of our world. As nations compete for talent and innovation, the policies they adopt will determine their place in the global hierarchy.
For Bangladesh, adapting to these shifts will require strategic foresight and a commitment to nurturing its human capital. Whether through reforms in education, investments in technology, or proactive engagement with the diaspora, Bangladesh must prepare for a future where the global competition for talent continues to intensify.
H M Sabbir Hossain is a student of International Relations at the University Of Chittagong
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard
