The U.S. government is planning big changes to its visa rules, and this could cause problems for Indian students and tech workers. One major change is cutting the number of H1B work visas from 85,000 to 40,000. This visa helps skilled workers stay and work in the U.S., and the reduction means fewer job chances for Indians in the tech industry.
Additionally, the OPT program, which currently allows international students to work for 12 months. Furthermore, this program will only be accessible to STEM students (those in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math), leaving those in other disciplines without this work option.
Also Read – Biden’s H1B Overhaul: Nod to Trump?
Another significant change pertains to the allocation of H1B visas. Currently, these visas are disturbed via a random lottery system.
However, the new approach will prioritize applicants with higher salaries and more experience, making it increasingly difficult to recent graduates to be selected. There is also a contentious proposal to eliminate birthright citizenship for children of non-immigrant workers, such as H1B visa holders, which could affect many Indian families residing in the U.S.
Also Read – Mysterious: Indian AI Expert Found Dead in US
These changes represent a substantial setback for Indian students and workers aspiring to establish their futures in the U.S. A recent student presentation highlighted how these policies, supported by Stephen Miller and the #Trump47 agenda, could severely disrupt the U.S. tech industry in the coming year.
Fresh graduates are likely to encounter the most significant hurdles as job opportunities dwindle.
Also Read – Lufthansa’s Visa Issues: A Concern for H1B Travelers
Many Indians who supported Trump and believed in the close “Modi-Trump friendship” may find themselves facing unexpected challenges. These policies do not favor them, particularly those who depended on H1B and OPT visas to work and settle in the U.S. The tech industry, which relies heavily on Indian talent, may also experience serious difficulties due to this talent shortage.
