An American immigration policy expert has sparked debate by stating that there is no reason for the United States to feel sympathy for the thousands of Indian H-1B visa holders currently stranded in their home country due to massive processing delays. Rosemary Jenks, appearing on a show hosted by former Trump aide Steve Bannon, called the situation a positive development for the US labor market.
"A Positive Development": Expert's Take on Visa Backlog
Rosemary Jenks argued that the narrative of Indians being 'stranded' is ironic. She emphasized that American companies are not waiting indefinitely for these workers. "Companies are not waiting for them and are in fact going ahead to hire Americans," Jenks stated, supporting the idea that this shift benefits domestic employment. She expressed hope that employers are filling these roles with American citizens, a move she views as rational given the lengthy delays.
Root Cause: Social Media Vetting and Moratorium Calls
The core reason for the unprecedented backlog, according to Jenks, is the enhanced social media vetting process initiated by the Trump administration. She defended this scrutiny as "perfectly reasonable and rational," aimed at ensuring individuals entering the US do not pose a threat. Visa appointment dates for many have been rescheduled to late 2026 and 2027, creating a multi-year limbo for applicants.
On the same platform, Steve Bannon called for a 10-year moratorium on all immigration, a proposal Jenks endorsed. "This would be a perfect time to say 'okay we are done, no more,'" she said, aligning with the hardline stance. This comes despite the Indian government officially raising the issue of delays with US authorities.
Impact on Indian Professionals and the Road Ahead
The situation has a disproportionate impact on Indian nationals, who constitute approximately 70% of all H-1B visa holders. Thousands now face professional uncertainty and personal disruption, caught between jobs in the US and an inability to return. While the expert commentary frames the delays as an opportunity for American workers, it highlights a significant crisis for the tech industry and Indo-US professional exchanges. The extended timeline implies that the current backlog will affect planning and hiring for years to come, forcing both companies and skilled workers to reconsider their strategies.
