Sandip Roy notes a reversal of the practice of massive H1-B visa hiring of professionals from India in favor of outsourcing to these very countries. In turn comparable opportunities generated "back home" by outsourcing is facilitating a return migration for this relatively new demographic of foreign knowledge workers in the US tech/IT industry.
A hot topic extensively covered by the broadcast and print media in recent months, Sandip Roy's piece is not the most thoughtful or revealing addition to this coverage. In talking about the sub-culture of foreign workers in the US, he comes across as mildly condescending and remote. He does not explore the complex reasons for why some are choosing to return and others to stay (there is single anecdotal reference of one worker being laid off). Nor does he inform us about the broader american public's attitude to this loss of a highly educated immigrant community. We also learn nothing about the potential impact this returning diaspora would have in their native country ... would they demand path-breaking changes in business culture? be relevant to the needs of the local economy? generate a ripple-effect in defining access in the traditional economy?
The piece ends with a glib mention of the returning migrant confronted with the familiar in the shape of omnipresent US fast food chains hinting at a homogenized world. And doesn't drive home the point that a cultural exchange between the US fast food chain and the local preferences produced a hybrid menu that very much reflects local taste/ diversity.
Somewhat disappointing
Reenu Singh
Posted on June 14, 2004 at 06:18 PM
Sandip Roy notes a reversal of the practice of massive H1-B visa hiring of professionals from India in favor of outsourcing to these very countries. In turn comparable opportunities generated "back home" by outsourcing is facilitating a return migration for this relatively new demographic of foreign knowledge workers in the US tech/IT industry.
A hot topic extensively covered by the broadcast and print media in recent months, Sandip Roy's piece is not the most thoughtful or revealing addition to this coverage. In talking about the sub-culture of foreign workers in the US, he comes across as mildly condescending and remote. He does not explore the complex reasons for why some are choosing to return and others to stay (there is single anecdotal reference of one worker being laid off). Nor does he inform us about the broader american public's attitude to this loss of a highly educated immigrant community. We also learn nothing about the potential impact this returning diaspora would have in their native country ... would they demand path-breaking changes in business culture? be relevant to the needs of the local economy? generate a ripple-effect in defining access in the traditional economy?
The piece ends with a glib mention of the returning migrant confronted with the familiar in the shape of omnipresent US fast food chains hinting at a homogenized world. And doesn't drive home the point that a cultural exchange between the US fast food chain and the local preferences produced a hybrid menu that very much reflects local taste/ diversity.