H-1B's End: A Boon for India's Tech Hiring?

An opinion piece argues that the end of the H-1B visa program would benefit both Indians and Americans, citing its exploitation of workers and role in labor arbitrage. It notes that Indian IT giants like TCS and Infosys have already reduced dependence on H-1B visas, with approvals down nearly 40% year-over-year. The author contends that AI is automating many outsourcing tasks, making the visa less critical, and that its elimination would shift blame away from Indian workers for US job losses. Key signal: India's six largest IT firms saw H-1B approvals drop nearly 40% year-over-year to about 11,000 as of March 31, 2026. For hiring leaders, this matters because for CHROs and GCC leaders, this signals a structural shift in how Indian IT firms access US talent and deliver services. Reduced H-1B reliance means more local hiring in the US and increased offshore work, impacting talent strategies. The rise of AI could further shrink demand for traditional outsourcing roles, pushing firms to reskill for higher-value work. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for workforce planning and global delivery models. Teksands view: The H-1B debate is a distraction. The real story is AI's impact on outsourcing. Indian IT firms are already pivoting to local hiring and AI-driven delivery. Smart leaders will focus on building AI expertise and reducing dependency on visa-dependent models, not mourning a program that was already fading.