[ad_1]
Last Updated:
The contest between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump signifies two different visions for immigration
US Presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump (AP file photos)
As the US presidential race intensifies, Indian citizens with dreams of working, studying, and reuniting with family in the US keep a close eye on the stakes. The contest between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump signifies two different visions for immigration. Harris, with her more inclusive stance, offers potential openings, while Trump emphasizes domestic interests and stricter entry policies.
Here’s how each candidate’s policies could shape key US visa categories for Indians across different sectors
H-1B Visas: A Lifeline for Skilled Workers or a Stricter Pathway?
Under Trump, H-1B eligibility tightened, wage thresholds rose, and denial rates increased from 6% in 2015 to 24% in 2018. These measures protect American jobs by reducing competition. Meanwhile, Harris supports increasing H-1B visa caps, currently limited to 65,000 regular and 20,000 advanced-degree visas. If elected, Harris might attempt reforms, though her past record indicates challenges in reversing restrictive measures.
Family Immigration: Different Approaches to Reunification
Family-based visas have allowed many Indians to reunite with relatives in the U.S. Trump’s shift toward a merit-based system, which emphasizes skills over family ties, restricts family-based immigration to spouses and minor children. This approach could reduce skilled worker backlogs, though it limits family-focused immigration. Harris favors policies promoting family reunification, but with over 1 million Indians in the family visa queue, progress has been limited, raising questions about her ability to address these challenges if elected.
Green Card: Indian Talent Stuck in Line
Indian professionals on H-1B visas face long waits for employment-based green cards due to per-country caps, with wait times of up to 84 years. Harris has co-sponsored the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act to remove these caps, which could expedite green card approvals for Indian nationals. Meanwhile, Trump’s merit-based points proposal would prioritize applicants based on skills, particularly in STEM fields, but might disadvantage others. Without significant changes, green card backlogs for Indian nationals will likely persist.
Student Visas and OPT: Education and Work Opportunities
Indian students contribute approximately $7.6 billion annually. However, under Trump, F-1 student visas faced increased scrutiny, and limitations were proposed for Optional Practical Training (OPT), impacting job prospects. Harris supports OPT and has advocated for potentially extending its duration, which could benefit STEM graduates.
Investor Visas: Limited Access for Middle-Class Entrepreneurs
Investment visas, such as the EB-5, attract Indian entrepreneurs interested in the U.S. market. Trump’s administration raised the minimum investment from $500,000 to $900,000 to target high-value contributions. This filters quality investments, while excluding middle-class investors. Harris has signaled support for foreign entrepreneurship but has shown minimal action in this area.
Visitor Visas: Balancing Security and Accessibility
Visitor visas are important for family visits, business trips, and short-term travel. Trump’s security-focused policies have led to longer processing time while Harris might ease restrictions for low-risk nations like India.
Measured Expectations in an Uncertain Future
The upcoming election offers two distinct views on immigration, though neither candidate guarantees sweeping change. While Harris promotes inclusivity, her record suggests cautious optimism at best. Trump’s policies, focused on American labor and security, restrict access and limit new immigration pathways. For Indian aspirants, a streamlined, predictable visa system remains the goal, though both political and administrative hurdles may limit impactful reforms.
Written By Mohak Nahta, Founder & CEO Of Atlys
Disclaimer:Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
[ad_2]
Source link
