Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States of America on the 20th of January. It was his second term in the White House. Trump’s Second Term can see a few crucial decisions on H-1B visas.
In his second term, everyone is expecting Mr. Trump to make a few groundbreaking decisions on H-1B visas.
What Are H-1B Visas?
We all know that the H-1B visa program is extensively used by software engineers and other IT professionals in the USA.
With Trump’s reelection, the fear is looming among the Indian workforce that he will again implement strict regulations on the H-1B visa program that enables US companies to employ foreigners as well as Indian professionals in industries such as IT, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
Data states between April and September 2024, Indian-origin companies received 24,766 of the 130,000 H-1B visas issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The main beneficiaries are Indian tech companies like Infosys and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
What is The Debate on H-1B Visas?
The Republican Party, which Donald Trump represents, is divided on the H-1B Visas regarding how much it must be used up to what extent. On one side, the billionaire tech entrepreneur Mr. Elon Musk is favouring the program but Mr. Steve Bannon, the White House strategist, is strongly opposing the visa program.
What is The Newly-elected President’s View on It?
Donald Trump says that he favours the program. In an interview with the New York Post, Trump said; “I have many H-1B visas on my properties. I’ve been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. It’s a great program.”
From this statement and against the statement and Trump’s personal opinion; Indians who wish to work in the United States in specialised occupations requiring theoretical or technical expertise, such as IT, engineering, finance, healthcare, and other skilled fields can understand that the program is not going to stop but some restrictions can be imposed on it.
What about Student Visas?
In his inaugural address, President Donald Trump did not mention anything on student visas.
However, he has a history of implementing stricter policies on student visas.
During his previous term, the Trump administration proposed rules to limit the duration of F and J visas to fixed periods of two or four years.
These proposed changes have created concerns among students regarding their ability to study and work in the USA.
Still, now, it is unclear if any new changes regarding student visas will be announced after his inauguration. However, there is a little nervousness among international as well as Indian students about potential restrictions under Trump’s second term.
Key Takeaways
Just a day has gone since Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th US President on January 20, 2025. It will be too early to assume how the next 4 years will be on his possible H-1B visa policies.
Under the Biden administration, the large beneficiaries are Indian professionals who have dominated H-1B usage, 72.3% in 2023.
However one positive news is although the Republican Party remains divided on the issue, Trump has expressed support for the program. He has called it ‘Great.’
Keeping in mind his growing camaraderie, collaboration and understanding with India especially, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi; he will not take any harsh decisions either on an H-1B visa or on a student visa.