Sridhar Vembu, founder and chief scientist of the Indian multinational tech company Zoho Corporation, has issued a compelling call to Indians residing abroad, urging them to return to their home nation. In a social media post on X, Vembu questioned the rationale behind individuals staying in countries where they do not feel welcome, emphasizing that India possesses the inherent potential to evolve into a robust and flourishing country. He eloquently stated, “Bharat Mata wants you, needs you and welcomes you! Come home, let's create a strong and prosperous Bharat.” This appeal comes amidst broader discussions concerning immigrants in foreign nations.

Vembu further underscored the significant economic contributions of Indian immigrants to their host countries. Sharing another post on X, he referenced research by Daniel Di Martino, a Fellow at the Manhattan Institute specializing in immigration policy. Di Martino's findings indicate that Indian immigrants have made the highest fiscal contribution, amounting to a positive 30-year fiscal impact of over $1.6 million, surpassing contributions from immigrants from China, the Philippines, and Colombia. Vembu expressed his hope that India will not only retain its own talented individuals for future generations but also actively attract back some of the skilled professionals who have previously left the nation, recognizing them as "India sent her best."

This discussion unfolds against a backdrop of increasing immigration scrutiny and tighter policies in some Western nations. Notably, former U.S. President Donald Trump implemented a significant crackdown on immigrants, introducing a one-time annual fee of $100,000 for H-1B visas, which are designated for high-skill foreign professionals seeking employment in the United States. The Trump administration's stated objective was to curb the practice of foreign workers allegedly "taking jobs from hard-working Americans."

Further reflecting this sentiment, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick articulated concerns that immigrants were exploiting the U.S. economy without making substantial contributions. The federal government’s enhanced regulations aimed to ensure that foreign workers provided a "significant benefit" to the nation's economy and its citizenry. Such policies and rhetoric highlight the complex environment faced by immigrants globally, providing a contrasting context to Vembu's repatriation plea for Indians.