New Delhi: The American dream is fast losing its allure for thousands of young Indians as the US government signals sweeping changes to its immigration policies.
US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a sharp increase in H-1B visa fees has triggered widespread anxiety among students and professionals, raising doubts about pursuing higher education and long-term careers in the United States.
The H-1B visa, long regarded as a gateway to lucrative employment and eventual permanent residency, has been the cornerstone of US tech industry recruitment. Traditionally issued for three years and extendable for another three, it has enabled American companies to hire millions of skilled foreign workers, filling critical talent shortages.
For decades, Indian graduates, especially in engineering, technology, and science, have relied on the program to turn their education into career opportunities abroad.
Under the new proposal, the cost of filing an H-1B application would soar to $100,000, up from the previous range of $2,000 to $5,000. Supporters of the policy argue that this protects US workers, while critics say it threatens to shut out international talent and undermine the competitiveness of American businesses.
India has been by far the largest beneficiary of the H-1B program, accounting for more than 70 percent of approvals last year, followed by China at around 12 percent. With more than 465,000 Indian students enrolled in US institutions in 2023, out of 1.3 million studying abroad, the new barriers could reshape global education flows and migration patterns.
Education consultants say growing numbers of Indian families are now exploring alternatives such as Canada, the UK, Australia, Ireland, Germany, and New Zealand. These countries are actively positioning themselves as more stable and welcoming destinations, offering friendlier visa policies, clearer migration pathways, and expanding job markets.
Meanwhile, China has stepped up efforts to attract overseas students and professionals with new visa categories and large-scale recruitment drives. Germany, too, has promoted its immigration framework as reliable and predictable, appealing to those seeking long-term security.
