H-1B Policy Shift May Boost Talent Return to India
Recent changes to the H-1B visa program, though initially seen as restrictive, are now being viewed as a potential opportunity for India. Experts suggest that while the reforms may make it harder for Indian professionals to work long-term in the U.S., they could also encourage skilled talent to return home.
Geoffrey Garrett, Dean of USC’s Marshall School of Business, highlighted that despite initial concerns, programs like Optional Practical Training (OPT) still provide viable work options for graduates. He emphasized that larger firms will likely absorb any additional costs caused by the visa changes.
More importantly, the shift may lead to a “reverse brain drain,” with highly educated professionals bringing global experience back to India. This return of talent could strengthen India’s growing tech and innovation sectors. Rather than a setback, the H-1B move might serve as a catalyst for India’s long-term economic and technological advancement.
