In a compelling narrative of perseverance and advocacy, Anuj Christian, a seasoned DevOps engineer residing in the United States for over 14 years, has emerged as a leading voice challenging the discriminatory country cap on employment-based immigration. In an exclusive interview with Hindustan Times, Anuj shared profound insights into his personal experiences, shedding light on the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals navigating the complex immigration landscape.
Nationwide Crusade for Immigration Reform
Anuj’s crusade spans the entirety of the United States, with visits to 45 states aimed at raising awareness about the discriminatory nature of the country cap on immigration. His mission goes beyond personal grievances, seeking to enlighten Americans about the far-reaching consequences of a system that adversely affects the nation’s workforce and potential.
Challenges Encountered by Foreign Workers
Delving into the intricacies of immigration hurdles, Anuj highlighted the pervasive difficulties faced by foreign workers, irrespective of nationality. These challenges include job inflexibility, limited eligibility for certain positions, and a stringent timeframe for changing jobs. However, Anuj emphasized that for Indian workers, these impediments reach unparalleled levels, with the wait for a Green Card extending up to an astonishing 200 years due to the existing country cap.
Unraveling the Roots of Discrimination and Exploitation
Anuj took a historical perspective, elucidating that the country cap on employment-based immigration was instituted in 1990. Unintentionally, this cap has become a tool for the exploitation of Indian talent, restricting their professional mobility and contributions to the U.S. workforce.
Campaign Objectives and Vision for Change
At the heart of Anuj’s nationwide campaign is the mission to eliminate the country cap, fostering an environment where the United States can attract and hire the best global talent, irrespective of their country of origin. He articulated that this removal would create an environment where talent can flourish, likening it to the unrestricted pursuit of gold medals in sports.
Legislative Hope and Advocacy Call to Action
Despite the challenges, Anuj expressed optimism, pointing to bills introduced in both the House and Senate that aim to end the discrimination perpetuated by the country cap. He passionately called on those in the immigration backlog to become active advocates for change, stressing that the removal of the country cap is not just a policy in favor of India but a policy that ultimately benefits the United States and its economy.
Acknowledging Indian Contributions to the US Economy
Anuj concluded by underscoring the immense contributions of Indian workers to the U.S. economy, highlighting that a policy shift towards removing the country cap is not just a diplomatic move but a strategic decision in favor of the United States.
