By Madana-gopala Dasa
In 1972, Idi Amin expelled more than 60,000 Indians from Uganda overnight. These were not just residents. They were the backbone of the economy, running businesses, supplying goods, and sustaining entire sectors of trade. Their removal caused Uganda’s economy to collapse, and half a century later, the country has never fully recovered.
I know this story intimately. I was born in East Africa in the 1970s, in the aftermath of Amin’s decision. I grew up witnessing the social and economic devastation that followed. Later, I came to America through the H-1B visa system, built a career in technology and leadership, and found my life’s service in ISKCON, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. I now serve in leadership roles in ISKCON North America, helping guide communities, communications, and growth strategies.
Because of this background, I see disturbing parallels today. President Trump has announced a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applicants. It is not an immediate expulsion of those already here, but it amounts to sealing the pipeline of future immigrants. Over time, this will starve America of new talent, just as surely as Amin’s decree starved Uganda’s economy of its entrepreneurs.
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/opinion-the-new-h-1b-visa-policy-and-its-impact-on-iskcon-north-america/
Comments