Trump’s choice of Indian-origin Sriram Krishnan as AI advisor sparks outrage over H1B focus

• Trump’s decision to appoint Krishnan has reopened a long-standing debate about how to balance immigration and economic policy in the U.S. While some see Krishnan’s views as a necessary push for innovation, others believe they reflect a broader immigration agenda that could undermine American workers and job opportunities

• As the Trump administration begins its next term, the impact of Krishnan’s appointment will likely be felt across both the technology and immigration sectors, continuing the debate over the future of America’s workforce and its relationship with global talent

PRAVASISAMWAD.COM

US President-elect Donald Trump’s recent appointment of Sriram Krishnan as Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy has sparked a heated online debate. While Krishnan brings a wealth of experience in the tech industry, having held leadership roles at Meta, Twitter/X, and Microsoft, as well as successful investments in companies like SpaceX and Figma, his views on immigration and the H-1B visa program have drawn significant criticism, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.

Controversy brews over Krishnan’s immigration stance and H-1B visa expansion proposals

Krishnan, a former General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz, has long been an advocate for expanding the H-1B visa program and removing country-specific quotas for Green Cards. His outspoken support for these policies has fueled concern among critics who argue that such moves prioritize immigration over the interests of American workers. In a recent viral post on X, Krishnan outlined several policy proposals, including creating a visa category for startup founders and entrepreneurs, and allowing H-1B visa holders to start their own companies in the U.S.

These ideas have triggered backlash from some corners of American society. Critics argue that expanding the H-1B visa program could lead to the exploitation of foreign workers and reduce job opportunities for U.S. citizens. One critic on Xwrote, “This is America last behavior. H-1Bs are already being abused at scale – and this is going to make it worse.” Others echoed similar concerns, pointing out Krishnan’s focus on immigration reform as potentially harmful to the American job market. Another user remarked, “Sriram Krishna’s pet issue is expanding the H-1B visa program. This is not America First at all.”

Fear of Krishnan’s influence extending beyond AI to broader immigration and economic policy

• Some commentators worry that Krishnan’s influence could extend beyond AI and technology policy, potentially impacting broader issues like immigration and economic policy
• One user warned, “Let’s pray their influence is limited to STEM and does not spill into immigration policy. H-1B expansion would be as damaging to the USA as NAFTA or letting China into the WTO.”

The backlash has intensified following Krishnan’s own social media posts, where he openly advocated for measures like fast-tracking green cards for technical fields and incentivizing angel investing through tax credits. Critics argue that these measures would further tilt the balance in favor of foreign workers at the expense of American citizens, especially in the highly competitive tech sector.

However, Krishnan also has defenders who argue that his policies could help foster innovation and attract top-tier talent from around the world. One supporter of his proposals wrote, “Skilled workers from overseas build phenomenal American companies and end up being top-tier Americans who envision the American dream.”

Some also argue that Krishnan’s stance on immigration is grounded in the need to maintain the U.S.’s competitive edgein the global tech economy. In a rapidly evolving industry, they contend, attracting skilled workers from around the world is critical for the long-term success of American companies and the U.S. economy as a whole.

***********************************************************

Readers

These are extraordinary times. All of us have to rely on high-impact, trustworthy journalism. And this is especially true of the Indian Diaspora. Members of the Indian community overseas cannot be fed with inaccurate news.

Pravasi Samwad is a venture that has no shareholders. It is the result of an impassioned initiative of a handful of Indian journalists spread around the world.  We have taken a small step forward with the pledge to provide news with accuracy, free from political and commercial influence. Our aim is to keep you, our readers, informed about developments at ‘home’ and across the world that affect you.

For more information: pravasisamwad00@gmail.com