KOLKATA, INDIA: The US Congress is likely to address the immigration reform policies "in future", US assistant secretary of state for consular affairs Janice L. Jacobs said Thursday.

She said the House of Representatives might not take up the issue immediately as it is now dealing with the healthcare reforms and the climate change issue.

"The US Congress is now dealing with the healthcare and climate change issue. But we know they will be taking up the immigration matter in future," she said.

"The US government is very interested to bring some reforms in the immigration policies," Jacobs said while addressing a press conference at the American Center here.

Talking about the plea of Indian IT firms that the number of H1-B work visas issued to Indian professionals be increased, she said the US would address the issue.

But there will be no immediate change in the policies as a short term relief.

With thousands of jobs being cut by US companies in past few months, there have been apprehensions that these positions could be filled up by low-cost foreign workers from places like India.

About two years ago, the US government had cut down the H1-B visa limit to 65,000, from 195,000 a year previously.

However, several IT firms - both in India and America - have been asking to raise the cap to allow the companies in the US greater access to the huge talent pool across the globe. The move also might impact the engagement of Indian techies in the US job market.

"I cannot give any specific time frame when the immigration reform would take place. But it will happen," she said.

According to data available, about 5.7 lakh Indians were issued H1-B and other non-immigrant visas for 2008.

Infosys Technologies topped the list among the Indian IT companies which received maximum number of H1-B work permits followed by Wipro, Satyam Computers and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in 2008.

Indian software firms send professionals to the US to serve clients there.

Jacobs said about 95,000 Indian students are studying in the US, the figure representing 15 percent of the total number of foreign students.

"We expect this figure will grow in the coming years," she said.

The H1-B visa is for workers who perform in a specialty occupation.
©IANS