By the end of this month, if will be clear if the US Senate Immigration Reform Bill introduced to decide whether H-1B visa limit should be increased from 65,000 to 115,000 has been defeated or allowed to sail through successfully.

Everyone says an increase in the H-1B visa limit will help Indians the most. Will it, really? But more on that in just a moment.

The current limit of 65,000 excludes 20,000 H-1B visas issued to advanced-degree holders.

If the limit is not increased, those lobbying for it will keep up their campaign. Many Americans, including President George W Bush and Microsoft chief Bill Gates, believe that for the United States to maintain its technological superiority it is necessary to allow more and more brilliant and highly educated foreigners to go to the US and possibly even settle down there.

From April 1, applications for H-1B visas for the 2007 federal fiscal year, which begins on October 1, can be submitted to the US Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Many in the US are supporting the idea that America must make it easier -- and quicker -- for foreign workers to gain permanent residency in the US.

Other provisions in the Bill include a new F-4 visa category for students pursuing advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. These students would be granted permanent residence if they find a job in their field and pay a $1,000 fee toward scholarships and training of US workers.

Let me now come back to the question on whether an increase in the number of H-1B visas helps Indians. The obvious answer to this would be a resounding 'Yes!' But look at it thoda differently: Will this also not mean India losing so many more brilliant minds to the US, with chances of many of these returning to their motherland almost nonexistent?

We have heard a lot of talk on how 'brain drain' has robbed India of some of the finest brains in the world -- and thus, possibly, of innovations, progress, faster growth.

Nowadays, we take pride in affirming that a 'resurgent India' is experiencing 'reverse brain drain' as a lot of Non-Resident Indians are now coming back with the nation offering great growth opportunities.

Well, how could then an increase in a limit that allows more of India's finest minds to go and settle abroad help the country?

Sounds parochial and inward-looking? Well, just think about it. But then, this is only my view and it's not important: I have been known to be wrong earlier.

What is important is YOUR view. Do you think it is good for India?