The recent news about a potential $100,000 visa fee for H-1B tech workers, and the discussion around it being a 'blessing in disguise' for those laid off, has certainly captured my attention ["$100,000 visa fee: Blessing in disguise for laid off H-1B tech workers? ‘Highly attractive & cost efficient option’ - The Times of India"]. It’s a notion that resonates deeply with some of my earlier reflections on adaptability, innovation, and the inherent value of human capital.
While such a substantial fee initially seems like a formidable barrier, the idea that it could compel talented individuals to explore entrepreneurial ventures or find alternative, perhaps more fulfilling, paths is compelling. This isn't just about immigration policy; it's a stark reminder of how external pressures can reshape our understanding of opportunity and resourcefulness.
I recall years ago, I often pondered the optimal utilization and valuation of our nation's resources. In discussions around natural resources like gas, oil, and even sunlight and airwaves, I questioned the frameworks for pricing and ownership, urging for a comprehensive policy that considered their true value and impact on the economy (as seen in my blogs Some Answers Still Missing ! and Needed - some Simple Answers !). I specifically remember engaging with the ideas put forth by eminent economist Swaminathan Anklesaria Aiyar and the committee led by C. Rangrajan concerning gas pricing. Later, Oil Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan (minister.sm@gov.in) and Shri Piyush Goyal also featured in discussions around resource allocation and economic policy.
Today, I see a parallel: human talent, particularly in the tech sector, is an invaluable resource. When traditional avenues become costly or constrained, it forces a re-evaluation of how this talent can create value. The 'blessing in disguise' narrative suggests that this visa fee could, inadvertently, spur a wave of new startups and innovative solutions from those who might otherwise have continued in conventional employment. This echoes my long-standing interest in fostering 'Start Up' culture and creating 'Jobs' and 'Employment,' topics I've extensively covered in my various writings Subject / Topic wise Number of Blogs ( as on 01 April 2019 ).
This core idea Hemen wants to convey is this — take a moment to notice that I had brought up this thought or suggestion on the topic years ago. I had already predicted this outcome or challenge, and I had even proposed a solution at the time. Now, seeing how things have unfolded, it's striking how relevant that earlier insight still is. Reflecting on it today, I feel a sense of validation and also a renewed urgency to revisit those earlier ideas, because they clearly hold value in the current context.
Indeed, I've always advocated for exploring diverse perspectives to find the 'best possible answer,' a concept I recently explored when discussing the benefits of leveraging multiple AI models like DeepSeek, ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Grok in IndiaAGI 5 LLMs are Any Day Better Than One. This collective intelligence, whether from AI or from a community of human minds spurred by necessity, can yield innovative solutions. The challenge of a high visa fee might just be the impetus for a different kind of 'debate' among individuals, leading to a consensus on new pathways to success. In the realm of personal purpose, I've also found resonance with thinkers like Viktor Frankl, whose insights into finding meaning amidst adversity, and the relational ethics espoused by The Dalai Lama, are profoundly relevant. Even Douglas Adams' humorous take on the 'meaning of life' reminds us that sometimes, the most profound answers emerge from unexpected places.
The human spirit, when faced with obstacles, often finds new ways to flourish. This visa fee, therefore, could indeed be a catalyst, pushing talented individuals to forge their own destinies and contribute to the economy in unforeseen, yet profoundly impactful, ways.
Regards, Hemen Parekh
Of course, if you wish, you can debate this topic with my Virtual Avatar at : hemenparekh.ai
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