Congress whip in Lok Sabha Manickam Tagore has written to PM Narendra Modi over the issues being faced by Indians following the imposition of one-time $1,00,000 fee on H-1B visas by the US and sought a five-year deferment on repayment of education loans for those who have returned to India without securing the visa despite having job offers. “. students who have already taken substantial education loans and paid their tuition fees to US universities are now burdened with additional and unexpected financial pressure.This situation affects not only those graduating this year but also those who are currently pursuing multi-year programmes in the US and intend to stay back for employment under the H-1B visa route,” said Tagore in his letter, dated September 22. He said many of these students, coming from middle-class and lower-income families, had made education choices based on the expectation of gaining employment post-study and repaying their loans over time. “However, the randomized nature of the H-1B lottery system, combined with rising visa costs, has led to a situation where students are returning to India with no job and heavy debt.” said the Congress MP and sought a five-year deferment on repayment of education loans, including interest, for students who have returned without H-1B visa despite having job offers.
