The evolving scenario leaves Indian nationals weighing options amid potential policy shifts, with many hoping for clearer pathways to achieve their American aspirations
Donald Trump’s recent statement on immigration has sparked new discussions on the future of US visa policies, especially for Indians seeking to work or reunite with family in America, reported cnbctv18.com.
In his victory speech on November 6 in Florida, Trump declared, “Immigrants are welcome but they have to come in legally,” reinforcing his stance on regulated entry. Trump’s history with immigration reforms, notably his 2017 executive order Buy American and Hire American (E.O.13788), increased restrictions on H-1B visas, impacting thousands of skilled Indian workers.
Former Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor, in an interview with CNBC-TV18, described Trump as “strongly anti-immigration.” He suggested that Trump’s approach might tighten the number of visas available not only for H-1B but also for family reunification, affecting those already residing in the US who seek to bring family members over.
With the elections and policy decisions, the future of US immigration remains uncertain. However, Trump’s track record suggests that changes, particularly for skilled Indian professionals, might involve greater scrutiny, affecting both individual careers and broader industry dynamics
Reports indicate that Trump may once again impose stricter immigration policies, potentially reducing H-1B approvals. Prabhudas Lilladher reported a noticeable drop in H-1B approvals during Trump’s previous term, although the figures rebounded in 2019-20. Under Trump, the H-1B approval rate declined from an 88% average under Obama (2013-2017) to 84.5% between 2017 and 2021. Additionally, the H-1B denial rate surged to an average of 18% from 2016 to 2020, while Biden’s administration has maintained a lower denial rate of just 3.2%.
Manoj Dharmani, CEO of DUDigital Global, pointed out that Trump’s potential adjustments could shift US immigration policy toward merit-based criteria. For Indian nationals, this may translate into sustained opportunities in specialized fields like technology, engineering, and STEM, albeit with heightened documentation and qualification standards. “While specific policies remain undetermined, the strategic importance of US-India relations suggests pathways for highly skilled professionals and students will likely continue, though with modifications,” Dharmani noted. Expected updates could affect H-1B wage requirements, post-study work options, EB-5 investment thresholds, and the employment-based green card process.
If stricter visa rules return, Indian professionals in the US, particularly in the tech industry, could face additional hurdles, potentially pushing Indian tech firms to explore other international markets or increase domestic job creation. Additionally, Trump’s preference for a merit-based system may impact family-based visas, limiting eligibility to spouses and minor children and potentially easing skilled worker backlogs while restricting family reunification.
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