By: Dr. Avi Verma

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) continues to make headlines with his steadfast advocacy on key legislative and diplomatic issues impacting both Indian American communities and the broader U.S. public. In recent weeks, Krishnamoorthi has led a bipartisan effort to modernize the H-1B visa renewal process, responded forcefully to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and issued a heartfelt tribute to Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky following her announcement not to seek reelection.

Bipartisan push to streamline H-1B Visa renewals

Congressman Krishnamoorthi joined Congressmen Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) and Rich McCormick (R-GA) in leading a bipartisan coalition urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to expand and formalize a domestic visa renewal process for H-1B and other low-risk visa holders. The letter builds on the success of a 2024 pilot program that enabled 20,000 H-1B visa holders to renew their visas without having to leave the United States.

“The 2024 pilot program for domestic visa renewals was a commonsense success, and now it’s time to build on that momentum,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “Expanding and formalizing this program will reduce red tape, strengthen our economy, and help ensure that the United States continues to attract and retain the best and brightest talent from around the world.”

Currently, most H-1B visa holders are required to travel to their home countries to renew their visas—an often lengthy and disruptive process. The proposed change would allow these individuals to complete renewals domestically, easing pressure on U.S. embassies and consulates while providing more stability to American businesses reliant on high-skilled foreign workers in industries such as tech and health care.

Congressman McCormick emphasized the economic benefits, stating, “It will alleviate the strain on American businesses, bolster our high-skilled workforce, and cut through the red tape holding back our economic edge.”

Immigration policy experts applauded the move. Benjamin Johnson, Executive Director of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, described the initiative as “an important step in the effort to modernize the immigration system,” while Todd Schulte of FWD.us said, “Expanding the domestic visa renewal pilot will allow us to maintain our leadership in the global race for talent.”

The letter called for expanding the pilot beyond H-1B to include E, I, L, O, and P visa categories, which were eligible for domestic renewals until 2004. That practice ended following post-9/11 security reforms, though experts now argue the infrastructure exists to reimplement it safely and efficiently.

Condemning terrorism and calling for democracy in Pakistan

In a separate statement following last month’s terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Congressman Krishnamoorthi addressed the increasing security and political instability in South Asia. Expressing concern over regional tensions, he emphasized the need for calm and democratic integrity:

“The need to combat terrorism and prevent future violence has become even more urgent,” he said. “At the same time, Pakistan must release former Prime Minister Imran Khan and ensure free and fair elections that uphold democratic values.”

Krishnamoorthi echoed Secretary Rubio’s caution against escalation and criticized the Pakistani government’s use of the current crisis to further suppress democratic processes.

Tribute to Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky

In a poignant reflection on leadership and public service, Congressman Krishnamoorthi paid tribute to Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky after her announcement that she would not seek reelection.

“Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky has been a fearless champion for working families, women, and seniors, and a tireless advocate for justice,” Krishnamoorthi said. “Her legacy of principled service and progressive action has improved the lives of millions.”

Krishnamoorthi praised her decades-long service, calling her a “dear friend and trusted colleague,” and vowed to carry on her legacy through the end of this congressional term.

As Congressman Krishnamoorthi continues to advocate for a more equitable immigration system, support democratic values abroad, and honor the work of his colleagues, he reinforces his role as a key voice for the Indian American community and a national leader in bipartisan cooperation and policy modernization.