Rep. Panetta Urges Admin to Reconsider H-1B Visa Position, Reaffirm Relationship with India

San Jose, CA - United States Representative Jimmy Panetta led his colleagues in a letter to the President, urging him to reconsider his September 19th proclamation on H-1B visas in light of the decision's potentially negative impacts on the U.S.-India relationship.

"The H-1B visa program is an important part of why the United States continues to lead in technological innovation, and is needed now more than ever with the recent sharp rise of artificial intelligence," said Representative Panetta. "Although 75% of current H-1B visa recipients come from India, the program still needs to be enhanced and increased rather than limited to a select amount of people or corporations that can pay exorbitant amounts of money to get a visa. My congressional colleagues and I wrote and sent this letter to the Administration so that they not only preserve, but also expand the H-1B visa program as a key factor for the United States to remain competitive in the 21st century."

The Representatives argued that their constituents on H-1B visas contribute to the local economy and help the United States stay competitive in industries, like tech, on the global stage. They also noted the importance of a robust visa program in shoring up national security and maintaining a strong partnership with India, the country of origin for 71% of all H-1B holders last year.

The full letter to the President can be found hereand is copied below:

Dear President Trump:

We write to urge your Administration to maintain and strengthen the H-1B visa program, and to share our concerns regarding the proclamation made on September 19, 2025, impeding the entry of workers under this program. As members of a recent delegation to India, we recognize the importance of the H-1B program not just to the United States economy, national security, and competitive advantage, but also to our relationship with India, and to the Indian-American communities that we represent. We respectfully request that you suspend the September 19 proclamation and reconsider any policy that would decrease appropriate access to the H-1B program.

The H-1B program is a cornerstone of U.S. competitiveness in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Research consistently shows that H-1B professionals boost U.S. innovation, patent production, and business formation, complementing rather than displacing American workers. Indian nationals, who make up the largest share of H-1B recipients, are central to U.S. leadership in information technology and artificial intelligence. Many of America's most successful companies were founded or led by former H-1B holders, who drive new businesses, job creation, and keep the United States at the forefront of technological progress. Indian-Americans and other H-1B holders also comprise a thriving constituency in each of our districts, enhancing our local economies, contributing to our academic and civic institutions, and strengthening our communities.

At a time when China is investing aggressively in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, America must continue attracting the world's best talent to maintain our innovation ecosystem, strengthen the defense industrial base, and preserve our long-term competitive edge. In the case of India, the country of origin for 71 percent of H-1B holders last year, attracting this talent also reinforces our strategic partnership with a key democratic partner in the Indo-Pacific.

The H-1B program is not simply about addressing labor needs; it is about securing U.S. leadership in the industries that will define global power in the 21st century. For these reasons, we respectfully urge you to preserve and expand the H-1B program to strengthen America's technological leadership, create jobs for American workers, and safeguard our national security.

Thank you for your attention to our request; we look forward to working with you on this important matter.

Sincerely,

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