Trump Admin Proposes H-1B, Green Card, Student Visa Changes For Indians

The Trump administration has proposed changes to several visa categories that could significantly affect Indian nationals seeking to work or study in the United States. The proposals target the H-1B visa program, green card processes, and student visa regulations.

Under the proposed changes, the H-1B visa selection process would shift from a random lottery to a wage-based system, prioritizing higher-paid applicants. This could reduce the number of Indian tech workers who rely on the lottery to secure visas.

For green cards, the administration suggested altering the current country-based caps, which have created decades-long backlogs for Indian applicants. The proposal would replace per-country limits with a merit-based system, though details remain unclear.

Student visa changes would tighten rules on duration of stay and work authorization, potentially limiting opportunities for Indian students to gain practical training after graduation. The proposals are part of a broader immigration overhaul and would require congressional approval to take effect.