New Delhi: In a recent appearance on Mirror Now’s debate show, NewsMobile Editor-in-Chief Saurabh Shukla discussed the imperative need for the US and India to tackle immigration issues collaboratively, focusing on fast-tracking legal skilled immigration and combating illegal agents facilitating immigration.
Saurabh Shukla raised concerns about the illegal practices of touts and agencies in India, stressing the two governments’ role in curbing this menace. He called on the Indian government to actively engage in addressing the issue, leveraging existing schemes and promising tangible actions to prevent fraudulent practices.
“Indian skilled professionals who are already in the US should have a fast track to eliminate the backlog of green cards under the per-country quota,” Shukla said.
“This needs to be done away with because the US heavily relies on India’s skilled professionals for its technological innovation prowess. The US and India share a great relationship, and this is the time to ensure there are no impediments. Create pathways for legal immigration for skilled Indian professionals. Make sure the country quota is eliminated and recapture the green cards, which can be achieved through executive action. This will provide incentives to prevent agents from misleading people, including skilled professionals seeking entry into the United States,” he added.
Expressing concern, Shukla further said, “My worry is that unscrupulous agents are targeting Indian skilled youngsters due to the flawed US skilled immigration process, especially for Indians.”
Shukla also said that cracking down on illegal immigrants might unintentionally affect skilled workers from India. He mentioned the difference in processing times, adding that neighboring countries and even China have quicker green card approvals for highly skilled categories.