The issue of immigration has been a contentious point for all electoral debates in the US presidential race so far.
On Thursday night’s CNN Republican debate, there were several ‘views’ on the H1B visa which has brought many Indians into the United States over the years. According to The American Bazaar, 86% of H1B visas issued by the technology industry was given to Indians.
And just to remind you again, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 (Public Law 114-113), signed into the law by President Obama on 18 December 2015, increased fees for certain H-1B visas. This decision was opposed by India.
Now, five states, namely Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, Illinois and Missouri go to polls on 15 March. So, if we keep aside the fact that Donald Trump stated, ‘Islam hates us’, here is what Republican candidates stated about the H1B visas (It starts with the most interesting one):
These companies (which hire people on H1B visas) are not hiring people themselves, they are utilizing consulting companies such as TATA from India. That company hordes up people with these visa… Disney hires such companies.Marco Rubio, Senator, Florida
Let’s not forget this is his last chance in the Presidential race. Short and sweet.
H1B is bad for our workers. But I use it. I shouldn’t be allowed to use it. It’s still smart business for me to use it in my own company.Donald Trump, Real Estate Mogul
His stance on the issue is unclear.
The simple fact of the matter is that I wouldn’t be standing here if, I’d be may be running for president of Croatia, if we didn’t have immigration… We lock our doors at night in our homes, and the country has to be able to lock its doors as well.John Kasich, Governor of Ohio
That is the real issue.
We need to curb illegal immigration in this country.Ted Cruz, Senator, Texas
It is commonly said that everyone in the United States is an immigrant except American Indians; this can always be the ultimate argument for this, can’t it?
We leave it to you to decide!
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