‘America First’ could turn into ‘India First’

America is great because of its desire to accept talented immigrants.

This is what Nandan Nilekani, the billionaire co-founder of technologies, would tell President Trump if he had the opportunity.

“If you really want to keep the United States … worldwide, you should be open to talent abroad,” Nilekani said on the key to the CNN sales forum in Bangalore.

Infosys (Infy)) is the second India outsourcing company and a large recipient of American H-1B visas. The documents allow the technological company to employ a large number of Indians in American jobs.

The Trump administration is currently considering significant changes in the Visa program. Press secretary, Sean Spicer, said in January that Trump will continue to talk about the H-1B program reform, among others, as part of a more important thrust for immigration reform.

Borders on the visas could strike the hardest Indian workers.

India is the main source of labor highly qualified for the American technological industry. According to American government data, 70% of extremely popular H-1B visas go to the Indians.

The actions of several Indian technological companies – including InfoSys – dived spectacularly two weeks ago in the midst of imminent work visa reports.

Related: Trump’s visa reform of the technological industry reform

Nilekani said it would be a mistake for the administration to follow.

“Indian companies have done a lot to help American companies become more competitive, and I think it should continue,” said Nilekani. “If you look at the Silicon Valley … Most companies have an immigrant founder.”

Industry’s contribution to industry – in particular higher levels – has been disproportionate. Current CEOs of Google (Goog)) And Microsoft (Msft))For example, both born in India were born.

Related: India panic on the United States plans to modify the highly qualified visas

But Nilekani, who is also the architect of the ambitious Identity Biometric Program of India, suggested that India would ultimately benefit from any new restriction in the “America First” plan of Trump. If talented engineers cannot go to the United States, they will stay in India.

“This visa issue has always occurred in the United States every few years, especially during the electoral season,” he said. “He actually accelerated development work [in India]Because … people invest more to do the work here. “”

Nilekani cited its own projects for the Indian government as an example.

Bangalore’s original entrepreneur left Infosys in 2009 to lead the massive social security program of India, known as Aadhaar. Following the initiative, the vast majority of 1.3 billion citizens of India now have a biometric identification number which allows them to receive government services, execute banking transactions and even make biometric payments.

“It was built by extremely talented and committed Indians,” said Nilekani. “Many of them had global experience, but they brought this talent and experience to solve the problems of India.”

Nilekani said that the massive population of young people in the country is choosing more and more to stay at home and participate.

“It is India first,” he said.

CNNMONEY (Bangalore, India) First advertising on February 13, 2017: 2:19 PM HE