US skilled jobs face wage pressure from Indian immigration

Debate: Wage pressure hitting skilled jobs in the US

For the average American, the 21st century involves converging with India and Mexico to counter China and Russia. The uncomfortable thesis is that elites realized too late that moving factories to China created an uncontrollable dragon. To compete on cost and gain allies, they need to open doors to 1.400 million Indians. For white-collar workers, this means Uber HQ employees who felt untouchable will no longer earn $200,000 if someone else does the job for $100,000.

From bulletproof CVs to cost-cutting

The initial message argues mass immigration mainly affected lower classes and traditional workers, fueling Trump support, while office professionals could afford solidarity because newcomers didn't compete for their roles. That shield has ended. Cost pressures drive companies to seek cheaper technical profiles. With so many candidates, some match or exceed the average US professional's skills at half the cost.

Some note this isn't new. The US already has many computer engineers, and Americans often avoid highly technical tasks. Statistics favor employers: even if only one in ten candidates is good, high volume compensates. Other countries bear training costs, making hiring cheaper.

Who wins and loses from open borders?

Common analysis distinguishes two effects. Open-border policies hurt lower classes by lowering wages for unskilled roles; a vice president's nail technician might be an unqualified migrant. Conversely, educated immigrants benefit society as their training is already paid for. This is an economic version of cost-benefit distribution rarely discussed openly.

Discussion shifts to Indian-origin executives in big tech, seen as part of a strategy to court India against China. Washington needs an English-speaking ally matching China's size and courtes New Delhi at any cost. Local professionals pay the price as global supply makes their salaries less competitive.

Automation as the backdrop

Conversation extends beyond immigration. Many suggest automation and AI will exclude almost everyone. Humanoid robots are mentioned costing around $16,000 base, up to $50,000 with options; advanced models range $50,000-$150,000 and are tested in auto plants. The calculation is simple: if a machine costs $50,000 and pays off quickly, even plumbers aren't safe.

Others argue manual work still needs people, preferably cheap ones. Critics say productivity growth lags behind 30-50 years ago, and AI hype fuels speculation. Global unemployment is at historic lows, yet productivity stagnates. The debate stalls here: does technology destroy skilled jobs or transform them, and is wage adjustment temporary or structural?

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The analysis stalls where it began: whether convergence with India and Mexico is deliberate elite strategy or short-term financial improvisation. Available data doesn't close the question. Meanwhile, the once-antiestéticared engineer looks at his paycheck differently.