Hugs not enough: Rahul Gandhi taunts PM Modi over H1B visas

New Delhi : A day after Donald Trump administration made H1B visa policy more difficult for Indians, Congress President Rahul Gandhi did not miss a chance to taunt PM Narendra Modi. He termed it as a huge setback for India.

Rahul Gandhi said, "New US Visa Rules, huge setback for India. There are some things a hug can buy. For visas, you’re on your own. Foreign Policy by Narendra Modi, Foreword by Donald Trump."

This is not the first time Rahul Gandhi has slammed PM Modi for his hugs to international leaders.

According to the new rule, spouses of H1B visa holders will not be allowed to work in the United States during their stay. The move is likely to impact more than 70,000 H-4 visa holders who have work permits.

H-4 visa is issued to the spouse of H1B holders that allow them to work for their living while staying in the country.

"Our plans include proposing regulatory changes to remove H-4 dependent spouses from the class of aliens eligible for employment authorisation, thereby reversing the 2015 final rule that granted such eligibility," US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Francis Cissna said.

He said such action would comport with the executive order requirement to "propose new rules and issue new guidance, to supersede or revise previous rules and guidance if appropriate, to protect the interests of United States workers in the administration of our immigration system ... "