New Delhi: Indian tech professionals in the U.S. are increasingly on edge about their own prospects, as immigration policies change repeatedly under the Trump administration. Large corporations such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Meta have even recommended that H-1B employees refrain from overseas travel, for fear that they may encounter issues re-entering.
The H-1B visa program is vital for the U.S. technology sector, permitting approximately 65,000 qualified foreign workers, a majority of whom are from India, to enter the U.S. each year. Indian IT companies such as Infosys and Cognizant also fill many of the applications. But with policy adjustments still being made, many holders of the visas are becoming apprehensive about their employment security and capacity to remain in the U.S. without complication.
A few Indian H-1B employees have already postponed travel arrangements to prevent being denied entry on return. One employee expressed worry over possible alteration of birthright citizenship legislation, with the concern that future offspring could be impacted. Another expressed the increasing perception that non-citizens are here illegally, contributing to stress in an already difficult situation.
The uncertainty has prompted a number of H-1B workers to carry vital documents on them at all times, just in case they have to show proof of legal status. In an effort to alleviate fears, some firms have begun accelerating extensions of visas and paying associated costs to prevent delays.
Though Trump has signaled some support for the H-1B program, Indian tech workers are still concerned about the overall immigration policy of his administration. The constant changes aren’t only impacting people, they might also hurt the U.S. technology sector, which relies on foreign skilled workers. As big tech adjusts to these realities, Indian workers are left speculating about what the future is like for them in America.
