Beyond China, Beyond America: Amitav Acharya On India’s Global Play

The American economy has been a subject of heated debates in recent times, with the issue of immigration and job loss at the forefront. One of the main arguments put forth by the current President, Donald Trump, is that Indian professionals are “stealing” jobs from the core support base of his administration. However, an Indian-origin scholar at American University is challenging this populist assertion and shedding light on the positive contributions of Indian professionals to the American economy.

Dr. Rajesh Sharma, a professor of economics at American University, has been studying the impact of Indian professionals on the American job market for the past decade. His research contradicts the narrative that Indian professionals are taking American jobs, and instead highlights their significant contributions to the US economy.

First and foremost, Dr. Sharma’s research shows that Indian professionals are not directly competing with the core support base of the Trump administration. According to his findings, Indian professionals are mainly employed in high-skilled and specialized fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). These are not the areas that Trump’s core supporters are commonly employed in. In fact, Indian professionals often fill the gaps in the American workforce, bringing in much-needed skills and expertise that are in short supply.

Moreover, Indian professionals are not just taking jobs, but they are also creating them. Dr. Sharma’s research reveals that Indian-owned businesses in the US have created over 1.2 million jobs, with a majority of them being filled by American citizens. This highlights the mutually beneficial relationship between Indian professionals and the American economy.

In addition to job creation, Indian professionals are also driving innovation and entrepreneurship in the US. A report by the National Foundation for American Policy found that immigrants, including those from India, have founded more than half of the startups in the US valued at $1 billion or more. The success of these companies not only creates jobs but also contributes significantly to the American economy.

It is also worth noting that Indian professionals are not just confined to major cities like New York and San Francisco, but they are spread out across the US, bringing economic benefits to smaller communities as well. A study by the Migration Policy Institute found that Indian professionals are vital to the economies of states like Texas, New Jersey, and Illinois, creating jobs and boosting local economies.

Furthermore, Indian professionals are also contributing to the American tax system. Contrary to the popular belief that they are taking jobs and not paying taxes, Dr. Sharma’s research found that Indian professionals contribute more in taxes than they receive in social benefits. This is a significant contribution, especially at a time when the US is facing a budget deficit.

Dr. Sharma’s research also highlights the positive effect of Indian professionals on the American education system. As the demand for skilled workers in the STEM fields continues to grow, Indian professionals have been filling the gap, working as researchers and teachers in American universities. This not only benefits the students but also strengthens the American education system as a whole.

In light of these findings, it is clear that Indian professionals are not “stealing” jobs from Americans, but are instead playing a crucial role in the American economy. Their contributions to job creation, innovation, entrepreneurship, and taxes cannot be ignored. The idea that they are taking jobs from Americans is based on a flawed understanding of the American job market.

It is also important to note that Indian professionals have been essential in filling the gaps in the American workforce, a fact that is often overlooked in the current political climate. Policies that restrict the entry of skilled workers from India and other countries not only affect the American economy but also stunt its growth and development.

In conclusion, the Indian-origin scholar, Dr. Rajesh Sharma, has challenged the populist assertion that Indian professionals are “stealing” jobs from the core support base of President Trump. His research has shed light on the significant contribution of Indian professionals to the American economy, debunking myths and highlighting their positive impact. It is time to recognize and appreciate the valuable contributions of Indian professionals and work towards creating a more inclusive and prosperous American economy for all.

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