Trump-era immigration restrictions are raising concerns among Indian professionals working in the US. The fear and uncertainty were highlighted in a recent survey by the anonymous workplace app, Blind.
Nearly Half of NRIs May Return to India
According to the survey, 45% of NRIs said they would return to India if they lost their jobs in the US. Another 26% said they would move to a different country. The remaining 29% were still undecided.
These figures show how job insecurity is reshaping career decisions for Indians abroad.
Key Reasons for Dissatisfaction
The main reasons behind NRI dissatisfaction were varied. Salary cuts affected 25% of respondents, while 24% cited a decline in standard of living. Cultural and family issues (13%) and lack of opportunities (10%) were also significant concerns.
These struggles are prompting many to reconsider long-term plans in the US.
Uncertainty Around Work Visas
When asked if they would consider returning to the US on work visas, only 35% said yes. The remaining 65% either said no or were undecided.
Some respondents mentioned being given a 60-day grace period to leave the US. They believed leaving within this time increased their chances of future re-entry.
At least one in six said they feared a long-term entry ban if they overstayed.
Mixed Reactions to Trump’s Policy Changes
Many feel that the Trump administration’s policy of limiting Indian hires has worsened the situation. While 63% of companies reportedly viewed the restrictions positively, 69% of Indian professionals said the impact was negative.
The divide highlights growing tension between corporate preferences and employee concerns.
Changes to US Visa Lottery System
The US Office of Immigration and Regulatory Affairs has recently scrapped the traditional visa lottery system. This change is expected to favour high earners, while fresh graduates may face more hurdles.
Every year, there is a cap of 85,000 H-1B visas. Of these, 65,000 are for general applicants, and 20,000 are for those who completed higher education in the US.
Previously, if applications exceeded the cap, selections were made through a lottery. Many tech companies have relied on this system to hire international talent.
