OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman, has called on the US government to reform high-skill immigration in order to foster innovation on a larger scale. Altman, who recently visited India to promote the AI startup ecosystem, believes that this policy change would be a hard-won gift for the country. In a Twitter post, Altman emphasized the importance of embracing the most talented individuals from around the world, as their presence is crucial to maintaining the country’s competitive edge. Altman’s statement garnered attention from various users, including Indian entrepreneurs, who expressed their support for reforming immigration policies.
Amit Misra, Founder and CEO of Dazeinfo, highlighted the significant contributions immigrants have made to Silicon Valley, stating that they not only built the first microchips but also the tech giants that exist today. Misra emphasized that over 50 billion-dollar startups were founded by immigrants, many of whom were on H-1B visas. Gagan Sandhu, Co-founder and CEO of Xillion app, suggested that universities, venture capitalists, accelerators, tech companies, and the entire tech ecosystem could collaborate with the federal government to bring about real change.
Last month, just before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the US, the Joe Biden administration relaxed green card eligibility norms for H-1B visa holders who wish to stay in the country. The State Department announced that a small number of Indians and other foreign workers on H-1B visas would now be able to renew their visas in the US without having to travel abroad. Each year, the US government issues 65,000 H-1B visas to corporations, with a significant portion being granted to Indians.
Prafull Billore, a venture investor, stressed the importance of the US continuing to support talented immigrants and provide a supportive ecosystem for them to excel in their jobs. Billore cited the example of Ajay Banga, who recently excelled in his role at the World Bank. Billore expressed his hope that the US would continue to offer opportunities and a nurturing environment for talented immigrants.
Altman’s call for high-skill immigration reform highlights the vital role that immigrants play in driving innovation and economic growth. By embracing and supporting these talented individuals, the US can maintain its position as a global hub for technological advancement. The positive response from Indian entrepreneurs and others in the tech ecosystem indicates a strong desire for collaborative efforts between the private sector and the government to bring about meaningful change.
