Donald Trump Wins: What his immigration policies mean for Indians in the U.S. and the impact it will have on visas, green card hopes
With Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 election, all eyes are on the sweeping changes he promised to make to U.S. immigration policy, in order to curb illegal immigration. For many Indians hoping to live, work, or secure a Green Card in the U.S., the question now is: what can they expect from Trump's presidency on this front?
The Republican leader is known for his hardline stance on immigration, and much of his campaign focused on the rise of illegal immigration during the Biden-Harris administration.?
Looking back at his previous term, it doesn't bode well for Indians in America: his earlier presidency saw several immigration policies that impacted skilled workers and students, particularly those on H-1B, F-1, and H-4 visas.
H-1B Visa is a temporary work visa for foreign professionals in specialty occupations, typically requiring a higher education degree or its equivalent. It's commonly used by tech companies to hire skilled workers.
F-1 Visa is a non-immigrant student visa that allows foreign nationals to study at a U.S. college or university. It is typically granted for the duration of the academic program.
H-4 Visa is?a dependent visa issued to immediate family members (spouse and children under 21) of H-1B visa holders, allowing them to live in the U.S. while the primary visa holder works.
For Indian professionals and students in the U.S., who often rely on these visa categories, Trump's victory could mean both new hurdles and potential opportunities ahead.
Here's what Donald Trump has promised to do regarding U.S. immigration if he returns to power:
Restoring the "Remain in Mexico" program
Trump plans to reinstate the controversial "remain in Mexico" policy, which requires asylum-seekers from certain countries to wait in Mexico while their cases are processed. This program, initially introduced in 2019, was halted by President Biden.
Reinstate Title 42
Trump has expressed his intention to bring back the Title 42 policy, which was used during the COVID-19 pandemic to swiftly expel migrants at the border without allowing them to claim asylum. This policy was designed to curb the spread of the virus but was also criticised for its impact on migrants.
Increase Border Patrol Agents
Trump is calling for the addition of 10,000 Border Patrol agents, a significant boost to the current force. This would aim to strengthen the U.S.'s ability to control its borders and reduce illegal immigration.
Mass deportations
One of Trump’s major promises is to carry out the largest deportation campaign in U.S. history, focusing on criminals but potentially impacting millions of undocumented immigrants. This effort could involve various government agencies but is expected to face significant opposition and legal challenges.
Travel bans on certain countries
Trump has indicated he would expand travel bans on individuals from certain countries or with specific ideologies, especially those that he believes pose a security threat. Countries like Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and the Gaza Strip could be included in such a ban.
Ending birthright citizenship
Trump has revived his push to end automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S. to parents who are in the country illegally. This would challenge a longstanding interpretation of the U.S. Constitution and could spark significant legal battles.
Push for merit-based immigration
Trump has proposed a shift toward a merit-based immigration system, which would prioritise individuals with skills that benefit the American workforce while protecting U.S. jobs and values.
For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
