New Delhi (PTI): Microsoft non-executive Chairman Bill Gates on Friday warned that the U.S. immigration laws may get tougher but he also advocated for free exchange of talent.

"U.S. Congress is very tough on immigration in general.That's unfortunate. What about making an exception for few smart people... Free exchange of talent is very important," Mr. Gates said here at a joint conference with IT body Nasscom.

Amidst the U.S. government talking about protection, tougher visa norms etc he commented, "Immigration policy (of the U.S.) might actually get more strict. It would be a great mistake."

He said his company has been very vocal against tougher immigration laws.

As Nasscom President Som Mittal drew Gates's attention to President Barrack Obama's comments that U.S. government would create more jobs in Buffallo than in Bangalore, the legendary software architect said "fortunately it (job market) is not a zero sum market".

President Barack Obama's 'Say No to Bangalore and yes to Buffalo' remark was the topic of discussion between Nasscom and Mr. Gates. The Indian software industry, which has a big exposure to the U.S. market, has expressed its concerns over the comments by the President.

Some U.S. companies, which outsource a number of their IT jobs to Indian companies, have launched a campaign against the new law that ends tax incentives to those firms which create jobs overseas.

On May 5 this year, Mr. Obama announced an end to years of tax incentives to those companies, which create jobs overseas in places like Bangalore. Instead the incentives would now go to those creating jobs inside the U.S., in places like Buffalo city.

There is also a move to restrict the number of H1B visas for skilled workers. This step, said the Indian IT industry, would choke America of talent coming in and could lead to a trade war with countries such as India.

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