Alphabet Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai has underscored the importance of immigrants in driving innovation in the United States technology sector, describing their contribution as “phenomenal.” His comments come amid political debate over proposed changes to the H-1B visa system.
Speaking to the BBC, Pichai said, “If you look at the history of technology development, the contribution of immigrants to the sector has been nothing but phenomenal.” He noted that while the H-1B programme has “shortcomings,” the administration is taking steps to improve it. “I think there’s a framework by which we all can still bring talented individuals. I think they’re making changes to address some of the shortcomings in the current programme,” he said.
Also Read| India has more to worry about than Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee, says Raghuram Rajan
Pichai, who arrived in the United States as an international student and began his career on an H-1B visa, has consistently supported immigration as a driver of economic and technological progress.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
During the interview, he was also asked about the growing influence of technology leaders and their proximity to political power. Referring to an image of major tech executives at a presidential inauguration, Pichai said, “It is an extraordinary moment in terms of this AI technology. I think, you know, it has tremendous opportunities to deliver benefits to the economy. It matters from a national security standpoint… I think it’s important we are engaging with the government in a way that this technology is going to translate to deliver benefits for society, including thinking through concerns around potential misuse of the technology.”
When questioned on potential effects of stricter visa rules, Pichai reiterated his belief in maintaining access to global talent. “I do think the government understands it… I think we’ll be able to continue investing,” he said.
Also Read| US launches at least 175 investigations targeting 'potential abuses' within H-1B visa program
The discussion follows President Donald Trump’s proposal of a USD 100,000 fee for new H-1B applications, a move the White House says is aimed at reducing misuse, not abolishing the programme.
Separately, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene announced plans to introduce legislation to end the H-1B visa and its pathway to permanent residency, allowing limited exemptions for up to 10,000 medical professionals each year.
The proposal could significantly affect Indian technology workers, who make up more than 70 per cent of all approved H-1B petitions in recent years, reflecting continued demand for skilled professionals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields in the United States.
Speaking to the BBC, Pichai said, “If you look at the history of technology development, the contribution of immigrants to the sector has been nothing but phenomenal.” He noted that while the H-1B programme has “shortcomings,” the administration is taking steps to improve it. “I think there’s a framework by which we all can still bring talented individuals. I think they’re making changes to address some of the shortcomings in the current programme,” he said.
Also Read| India has more to worry about than Trump's $100,000 H-1B visa fee, says Raghuram Rajan
Pichai, who arrived in the United States as an international student and began his career on an H-1B visa, has consistently supported immigration as a driver of economic and technological progress.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
During the interview, he was also asked about the growing influence of technology leaders and their proximity to political power. Referring to an image of major tech executives at a presidential inauguration, Pichai said, “It is an extraordinary moment in terms of this AI technology. I think, you know, it has tremendous opportunities to deliver benefits to the economy. It matters from a national security standpoint… I think it’s important we are engaging with the government in a way that this technology is going to translate to deliver benefits for society, including thinking through concerns around potential misuse of the technology.”
When questioned on potential effects of stricter visa rules, Pichai reiterated his belief in maintaining access to global talent. “I do think the government understands it… I think we’ll be able to continue investing,” he said.
Also Read| US launches at least 175 investigations targeting 'potential abuses' within H-1B visa program
The discussion follows President Donald Trump’s proposal of a USD 100,000 fee for new H-1B applications, a move the White House says is aimed at reducing misuse, not abolishing the programme.
Separately, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene announced plans to introduce legislation to end the H-1B visa and its pathway to permanent residency, allowing limited exemptions for up to 10,000 medical professionals each year.
The proposal could significantly affect Indian technology workers, who make up more than 70 per cent of all approved H-1B petitions in recent years, reflecting continued demand for skilled professionals in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields in the United States.