Indians in the US on Visas will have very limited choices to work, study or even visit the US if Trump gets elected.
As the 2024 elections approach, forecasts regarding immigration policy under a potential second Trump administration paint a grim picture. While it’s widely accepted that another term for Trump would pose challenges for immigrants, there’s uncertainty about the scope and resolve behind the proposed changes. Rooted in a comprehensive strategy crafted by the far-right think tank The Heritage Foundation and supported by Trump advisor Stephen Miller, the potential outcome appears more calculated and detrimental than previously imagined.
The Heritage Foundation, a right wing think tank based in Washington D.C. has regularly released its “Mandate for Leadership” for more than forty years, offering recommendations for the incoming Republican administration. Boasting a history of effectiveness, the Foundation highlights that almost 64 percent of its proposals were adopted by the Trump administration within its first year. In their most recent installment, “Project 2025,” has been prepared by over 400 conservative scholars, including prominent figures from the Trump administration such as Rick Dearborn, Christopher Miller, and Ken Cuccinelli.
As part of preparations for the 2025 presidential transition, the proposal suggests comprehensive reforms across federal agencies, with over 175 immigration provisions. Unlike previous years, Project 2025 clarifies the administration’s intentions to restrict legal immigration, centralize federal authority, weaken privacy protections, and potentially jeopardize American security and prosperity, all driven by a political focus on immigration.
Cease Legal Immigration
Legal immigration, covering skilled labor, temporary work, family reunification, and humanitarian protection, has long been crucial for America’s cultural richness and economic vigor. However, the prospect of another Trump administration could halt this flow. Project 2025 proposes a range of policies to collectively halt various forms of legal immigration without requiring congressional approval.
Visa Restrictions by Country – No Visas for Indians
The proposal suggests halting visa issuance for countries deemed uncooperative in accepting deported citizens. As of June 2020, 13 countries, including India, fall into this category. This would effectively block all visas catagories and green cards for Indians, citing oversubscription in certain visa categories.
Impact on Students and H1B Workers
The Department of Labor oversees rules on H-1B worker wages to ensure they don’t undercut American workers’ pay and conditions. Despite advanced degrees, many recent graduates end up in low-paying jobs. Project 2025 recommends Trump Administration for eliminating the two lowest wage levels, making most foreign graduates ineligible for these positions.
While USCIS decides if an H-1B job requires special skills, halting DOL wage certification for jobs below level III or IV would practically prevent recently graduated international students on F1 visa from getting H-1B jobs. Consequently, Indian students who take loans to study in the US may have no option but to leave the US after graduation.
Halt H4 EAD (Work Permit)
The proposal suggests restricting work permissions, likely affecting spouses of H1B visa holders. Without work permits, spouses couldn’t support themselves or contribute to the economy, shutting down legal programs. Over 90% of H4 EAD beneficiaries are Indian females.
In 2020, the Trump administration proposed changing rules for EB1 and EB2 categories, requiring high-skilled immigrants to meet higher salary thresholds or risk rejection. Another change involved adjusting criteria for EB1, EB2, and EB3 green cards, requiring minimum salaries ranging from USD 250,000 to USD 300,000. This would lead to rejections for many Indian applicants who don’t meet the elevated income criteria, potentially forcing them to leave the US.
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma is a Senior Journalist who has lived in Washington DC since 2007. He currently is a contributor to Dainik Bhaskar, the world's third largest newspaper by readership. His opinion pieces feature on News 9 and The Quint. He has been invited as guest on the BBC, NDTV, India Today, AajTak, Times Now, Republic, Zee news and others. His work has featured in six Indian Languages.
