Trump Comeback: Analyzing the Impact on H-1B, EB-5 Visas, and Green Card Prospects for Indians
Following a historic re-election, Donald Trump has returned as the U.S. President, defeating Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. In his victory speech in Florida, Trump emphasized a stance on legal immigration, saying, “Immigrants are welcome but they have to come in legally.” This renewed presidency raises critical questions about the future for Indians, particularly those aspiring to live, study, and work in the U.S.
Trump’s history in office showed a firm position on immigration, often advocating for restrictive policies on entry and work visas. Indian citizens who utilize legal immigration routes like the H-1B for skilled employment or the F-1 visa for studying may encounter significant changes, as Trump has repeatedly emphasized the need to reduce illegal immigration. According to Ajay Sharma, an immigration expert from Abhinav Immigration Services, this could open up new opportunities for skilled migrants if the administration prioritizes talent-based over family-based immigration. Sharma notes that Trump has previously hinted at considering a points-based system similar to those used in Canada and Australia, which could potentially benefit qualified Indian professionals. However, any new policies would likely take months to develop and implement after the January inauguration.
With Trump’s policies expected to affect key visa categories for Indian professionals and students, there is both optimism and caution. Parth Vakil, co-founder of Ek.indUS, explains that while a skilled-based approach could create pathways for highly educated Indians, the lottery system for H-1B visas may become even more competitive. Vakil suggests that for those seeking more permanent security, the EB-5 Investor Visa Program remains a viable option, as it provides a direct route to residency in exchange for significant investment.
Historically, Trump has favored policies that prioritize American workers, and this approach could mean stricter H-1B requirements. Vakil notes that such a shift might increase challenges for Indian tech workers who rely on H-1B visa renewals. Sharma adds that Trump’s preference for a merit-based immigration system could benefit skilled Indian workers; however, new restrictions may come alongside these changes. For Indian students, particularly those in STEM fields, restrictions on Optional Practical Training (OPT)—which allows them to gain work experience after graduation—could pose further challenges.
Trump has previously indicated some support for making it easier for F-1 visa holders to obtain Green Cards. According to Abhijit Zaveri, founder of Career Mosaic, such policies could aid Indian students in securing long-term work options in the U.S. For students in advanced STEM programs, this could ease transitions from academic settings into the American workforce. However, potential changes to OPT remain a concern, especially given Trump’s past discussions about tightening work authorizations due to concerns over job displacement.
The impact on the broader Indian-American community is also noteworthy. Manoj Dharmani, CEO of DUDigital Global Ltd, points out that the 5.5 million Indian-Americans could face stricter documentation and wage requirements under Trump’s administration. He recommends that Indian nationals stay informed of any new developments through official U.S. government sources. Dharmani also mentions the importance of U.S.-India relations in maintaining pathways for skilled workers, even if some visa programs, such as the Diversity Visa, are adjusted to include more merit-based criteria.
Trump’s firm stance on immigration could particularly affect Dreamers under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This initiative, which grants temporary protection from deportation to minors who entered the U.S. without documentation, has been a frequent target of Trump’s criticism. His campaign emphasized ending DACA, and his administration previously sought to rescind it, although that effort was blocked by the Supreme Court in 2020. Trump’s win renews the possibility that he may once again try to end the program, leaving young undocumented individuals uncertain about their future in the U.S.
In terms of U.S.-India trade relations, Trump’s close ties with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi could create favorable conditions for Indian businesses and talent seeking to engage with the American market. Trump’s pro-business stance has previously led to strong trade growth between the two nations, and Ramesh Alluri Reddy of TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship suggests this trend could continue in key sectors like technology and sustainable development. Indian talent, especially within Global Capability Centers (GCCs), may see new opportunities as U.S. companies seek partnerships in these industries.
Indian investors could also benefit from Trump’s presidency through the EB-5 visa program, which has been a popular route to residency for Indian investors. Piyush Gupta, vice president of CanAm Enterprises, highlights that the EB-5 program has continued to provide a reliable path for Indians aiming to settle in the U.S. Gupta suggests that stability within this program will be a relief to investors, given the uncertain nature of H-1B renewals.
Trump has also voiced support for changing the H-1B system, possibly by replacing the lottery with a merit-based selection process. This could benefit highly skilled Indians while creating challenges for recent graduates who may not meet the new criteria. Varun Singh, managing director of XIPHIAS Immigration, notes that this aligns with Trump’s focus on pro-business policies, yet acknowledges that balancing demand for skilled roles with visa availability remains critical.