Indian IT firms prepare for potential changes to US visa policies under Trump

Indian IT companies are preparing for potential changes in U.S. immigration policies if Donald Trump wins a second term as president. Experts expect stricter regulations on employment-based visas, particularly the H-1B visa, which many Indian firms rely on. While Indian IT firms have recently reduced their dependency on visas by hiring more local workers, they still accounted for over 72% of H-1B visas issued in the 2023 financial year. Increased fees for visa applications have already been implemented. During his first term, Trump imposed restrictions that affected H-1B workers, and similar measures are anticipated if he returns to office. Legal immigration processes may face additional challenges, impacting international students and workers.