The administration of former US President Donald Trump is once again at the center of concerns for thousands of Indian professionals in the United States who are on H-1B work permits. Many fear that potential policy changes, if implemented, could exacerbate the already difficult immigration landscape, particularly for those facing extensive green card backlogs.
One of the most concerning proposals is the potential revocation of birthright citizenship, an issue that gained prominence after Trump signed an executive order during his previous term. While this order remains on hold and is being legally challenged, its implementation—no matter how uncertain—would have significant consequences for Indian families expecting children in the US. The fear of children being denied automatic citizenship at birth adds another layer of instability for H-1B visa holders.
Another issue that could negatively impact Indian professionals is the effort to revoke Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for spouses of H-1B visa holders who are on dependent H-4 visas. The H-4 EAD, introduced through an executive order under the Barack Obama administration, has been a vital source of financial independence for thousands of skilled immigrant spouses. However, during Trump’s first term, there was a significant push to revoke these work permits, creating uncertainty and economic hardship for many. Despite vigorous advocacy efforts by groups such as the SIIA and individuals affected by these policies, the previous attempt to eliminate H-4 EADs was unsuccessful. Yet, the possibility of its revival remains a pressing concern.
Additionally, the broader immigration system has become increasingly arduous for Indians waiting in long green card queues. Even routine H-4 EAD renewals have experienced delays, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in employment disruptions and financial uncertainty for many Indian families. The already lengthy wait times for permanent residency further compound these challenges.
Another point of anxiety for Indian professionals is the potential reversal of the Joe Biden administration’s policy on automatic work permit extensions. Introduced during the pandemic to ensure continuity in employment, these extensions have helped thousands of visa holders avoid unnecessary job losses while awaiting renewals. Any move to eliminate automatic extensions would disproportionately affect Indian professionals, particularly those on H-4 EADs. Under the earlier Trump administration, the process for renewal applications was bogged down by additional biometrics requirements, causing further delays. If such policies were reinstated, it could once again lead to prolonged processing times and job uncertainty.
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