Thursday, March 16 2006 10:35 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: US lawmakers looking into the proposed Immigration Bill, including provisions for a new student visa category and an increase in H-1B visas, are under pressure to come up with ways to attract students and highly- skilled workers from India and China.

Experts noted that the shortage faced by American tech industries has been somewhat complicated by the push on competitiveness and a perception that with the steady economic growth of India and China, students from these two countries may no longer want to come to the US to study or work.

The Senate Judiciary Committee, headed by Senator Arlen Specter, will be looking at the proposed new F-4 student visa category for those interested in advanced study of science, engineering or math, with a provision for taking up permanent residency on paying a US$ 1000 fee if they find a job in their field.

As the US Senate starts debating the Immigration Bill, experts worry that the "good" elements of the Senate Immigration proposals are going to be either tossed out in the final version at the Conference Committee stage or be drowned out in action during an election year.

The provisions for highly-skilled persons coming to the US, notably from India, has the backing of the Bush administration as well as a large number of both Republican and Democrat lawmakers.