Donald Trump’s recent victory and anticipated policy directions could have notable effects on U.S. immigration, especially for H-1B visa holders, the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, and U.S.-India relations.
Under Trump, H-1B visa regulations are expected to tighten as he reaffirms his “America First” stance, aimed at prioritizing American workers over foreign talent. This approach may involve raising the minimum wage for H-1B holders and limiting the overall availability of these visas. This could complicate access for skilled Indian professionals in fields like technology and engineering. For OPT, Trump may impose stricter rules, which could make it more challenging for Indian students to work in the U.S. post-graduation.
Furthermore, green card backlogs for Indian nationals could see slower processing times, affecting Indian families hoping for permanent residency. On the diplomatic front, Trump’s “protectionist” policies may introduce trade tensions, which could impact bilateral trade and affect sectors like pharmaceuticals and IT, where India relies heavily on U.S. demand. However, this relationship could create opportunities, such as closer defense collaboration with India to counterbalance China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
India might face a mixed outcome, balancing the challenges and potential strategic opportunities under Trump’s leadership.