What Will Happen to Indian Employees Under the Trump Administration?

The political landscape in the United States is always shifting, and for foreign workers, especially Indian nationals, changes in U.S. immigration policy can have a profound impact. Under the second Trump administration, many Indian professionals working in the U.S. on H-1B visas are wondering how the new policies might affect them. The Trump administration has been known for its restrictive stance on immigration, and this could mean significant challenges for Indian employees.

For Indian workers in particular, the H-1B visa system has been one of the most commonly used routes to live and work in the U.S. However, under the first Trump administration, numerous measures were introduced that made the process of obtaining and renewing H-1B visas more difficult. Following Trump’s reelection, we can expect this trend to continue—and potentially even worsen.

For many Indian employees, the best option for securing long-term stability in the U.S. may lie in the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which offers an alternative to the H-1B route. Let’s explore what may happen to Indian workers in the U.S. under the second Trump administration and why the EB-5 visa could be a viable solution.

H-1B Visa: A Growing Risk for Indian Workers

The H-1B visa has been a lifeline for Indian professionals working in the U.S., especially in fields such as technology, engineering, healthcare, and finance. Indians account for a substantial majority of all H-1B visa holders, and this trend is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future.

However, under the previous Trump administration, several changes to the H-1B system were implemented that have caused concern for Indian employees.

Increased Scrutiny and Higher Denial Rates

The Trump administration has pushed for stricter enforcement of immigration policies. This has resulted in increased scrutiny of H-1B visa applications, particularly for Indian nationals. The application process has become more rigorous, with many applicants facing longer delays and higher rejection rates. This is especially true for applicants from countries like India, where the demand for H-1B visas is high.

Changes to Wage Requirements

Another area of concern for Indian workers on H-1B visas is the wage requirement. Trump’s administration has sought to implement policies that push companies to pay higher wages to foreign workers. While this may sound positive, in practice, it could result in companies being less willing to hire H-1B workers due to increased costs. This could make it harder for Indian nationals to secure or maintain their positions in the U.S.

The Impact of the Trump Administration on Indian Workers

As Donald Trump returns to office for a second term, Indian professionals seeking to live and work in the U.S. can expect continued challenges. The most immediate impact would be the potential for further restrictions and heightened scrutiny of H-1B visa applications. Given that Indian nationals make up the largest group of H-1B holders, the impact would be particularly significant for them.

Indian employees may also find themselves at a disadvantage when it comes to Green Card processing. With the long backlog for Indian applicants in the EB-2 and EB-3 categories, the wait for a Green Card can span many years. The Trump administration has shown no signs of plans to relax the Green Card backlog, which means that Indian workers could face a prolonged period of uncertainty about their ability to stay in the U.S. on a permanent basis.

The EB-5 Visa: A Path to Stability for Indian Workers

Given the increasing risks for Indian workers on H-1B visas, many are exploring alternative pathways to remain in the U.S. One of the most viable options for Indian nationals is the EB-5 program.

The EB-5 program allows foreign nationals, including Indians, to obtain U.S. permanent residency (a Green Card) by investing a certain amount of money in a U.S.-based new commercial enterprise that creates jobs for American workers. The standard investment amount is $1,050,000, but in targeted employment areas (TEAs), which are typically rural or high-unemployment areas, the required investment drops to $800,000.

For Indian nationals seeking stability in the U.S. amid growing uncertainties surrounding the H-1B visa system, the EB-5 program presents an attractive alternative for several reasons:

A Direct Path to a Green Card

Unlike the H-1B visa, the EB-5 program provides a direct route to a U.S. Green Card. Indian investors who meet the program’s requirements can obtain permanent residency for themselves, their spouses, and unmarried children under 21.

No Need for Employer Sponsorship

One of the most appealing aspects of the EB-5 visa for Indian workers is that it does not require employer sponsorship. Unlike the H-1B, which ties workers to a specific employer, the EB-5 program grants investors greater freedom. Indian nationals who obtain an EB-5 visa are not reliant on any company or job offer in the U.S., giving them the flexibility to pursue their own business interests or work for any employer.

Opportunities in Growing U.S. Markets

India has a growing number of high-net-worth individuals who are increasingly looking for investment opportunities abroad. The U.S. remains one of the most attractive destinations for these investors, particularly through programs like EB-5, which not only provides a path to permanent residency but also opens doors to lucrative business opportunities in diverse sectors.

Avoiding the H-1B Lottery

One of the biggest frustrations for H-1B applicants is the annual lottery system, where the chances of being selected are low, particularly for Indian nationals due to high demand. The EB-5 program, on the other hand, does not involve any lottery system, providing a more predictable and secure pathway to U.S. residency.

EB5AN Can Help You Obtain a Green Card

For Indian professionals in the U.S., the future under a second Trump administration may be uncertain, especially if they are relying on the H-1B visa. While some may continue to navigate the complexities of the H-1B system, others are seeking alternative routes like the EB-5 visa to ensure long-term stability and security.

The EB-5 program provides a direct path to U.S. permanent residency, bypassing many of the challenges associated with the H-1B visa system. As immigration policies continue to evolve under the Trump administration, Indian nationals looking to secure a brighter future in the U.S. should seriously consider the EB-5 option.

EB5AN has helped more than 2,300 families from 70+ countries become lawful permanent residents of the United States. Our team has more than a decade of experience and offers clients first-rate, low-risk EB-5 regional center projects with a 100% USCIS project approval rate.

If you need more help in planning your future in the United States, book a free call with our expert team today.