When the mob gets tired of pursuing AIG and Madoff, it will look for other targets to bay after. India is at risk. Inciter Lou Dobbs keeps pounding away at the foreigner and immigrant. Meanwhile, US Senators Richard Durbin and Chuck Grassley are crafting new legislation aimed at further tightening H1B and L1 visa rules. It’s expected to be submitted to Congress by April 3. Visa reform is legitimate, if there are abuses. But it becomes dangerous if the legislation ignites an angry broadbased backlash against India and offshoring.

Don’t get me wrong. I think a measured dose of protectionism can be useful at times of crisis or in response to abuses by other nations. It’s legit if it’s done rationally and in a carefully targeted way. It’s not okay if it erects major barriers to trade.