Why Indian Professionals in the US Are Rethinking Their Future

Indian professionals in the US on H-1B and L-1 visas face growing uncertainty about their future. A Blind survey revealed 45% would return to India if laid off, while others consider relocating or remain undecided. Key concerns include pay cuts, lower quality of life, cultural adjustments, and limited job opportunities. Only 35% would choose a US work visa again. Rising deportation risks, Trump’s anti-India hiring rhetoric, and proposals for wage-based visa selection further complicate the situation, forcing many to reevaluate the "American Dream."

The landscape for Indian professionals working in the United States on H-1B and L-1 visas is changing rapidly, with growing uncertainty reshaping their long-term plans. A recent survey conducted on Blind, an anonymous app for verified professionals, reveals that nearly half of those surveyed (45%) would return to India if faced with job loss. Meanwhile, 26% expressed a desire to relocate to another country, and 29% admitted they were undecided about their next move.

What’s Holding Them Back?

The decision to leave the US is not an easy one. Several key concerns are keeping Indian professionals from packing their bags:

• Pay cuts: A significant 25% of respondents highlighted potential salary reductions as a major deterrent.

• Lower quality of life: Another 24% worried about adapting to a lifestyle that may not match their current standard of living in the US.

• Cultural or family adjustments: Approximately 13% cited challenges in reintegrating into their home country or adjusting culturally elsewhere.

• Fewer job opportunities: A smaller but notable 10% were concerned about limited career prospects in other countries.

  
  

  These factors collectively reflect a hesitance to abandon what many perceive as the "American Dream," despite growing frustrations with the system.

Waning Confidence in US Work Visas

The survey also highlighted a shift in how Indian professionals perceive the long-term value of US work visas. Only 35% of respondents said they would opt for an H-1B or similar visa again if given the choice. The majority either expressed uncertainty (27%) or outright disinterest (38%). This changing sentiment is driven by personal experiences and growing vulnerabilities within the visa system.

One in three respondents (35%) revealed that they, or someone they knew, had been forced to leave the US due to a job loss. These individuals often faced the looming threat of deportation during the short grace period allowed for finding new employment.

Deportation Risks on the Rise

The 60-day grace period for H-1B visa holders to secure a new job or change status has become increasingly fraught with challenges. Alarmingly, one in six professionals surveyed reported receiving a Notice to Appear (NTA) before the grace period had elapsed. These notices can result in a permanent ban from re-entering the US.

Reports from mid-2025 indicate that NTAs are now being issued within weeks of job termination, adding to the pressure on laid-off workers. “Multiple cases where NTAs were sent in 2 weeks,” wrote a Meta employee on Blind. This has led immigration lawyers to advise departing the US as soon as possible after a job ends to avoid long-term repercussions.

Trump’s Statements Add Fuel to the Fire

Former President Donald Trump’s recent comments urging American companies to “stop hiring in India” have further stirred the debate. According to the Blind survey, 63% of US-based professionals believe this move could benefit their firms. In contrast, 69% of India-based respondents felt it would negatively impact their companies. The remarks have intensified discussions about the future of cross-border hiring practices.

A Wage-Based H-1B Selection System on the Horizon?

Adding to the uncertainty is a recent proposal to revamp the H-1B visa selection process. On August 8, the US Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs advanced a plan called the “Weighted Selection Process for Registrants and Petitioners Seeking to File Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions.” The proposal is now under review by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Though the full text of the proposal has yet to be released, experts believe it aims to replace the current random lottery with a wage-based system. This would prioritize applications offering higher salaries, a move reminiscent of a similar attempt near the end of Trump’s first term in 2021.

“If implemented, this system would significantly disadvantage entry-level positions, especially for recent graduates,” said Joel Yanovich, an attorney at the Murthy Law Firm. Sanjay Laul, founder of MSM Unify, explained, “Under the wage-based system, luck is less of a factor. Applications would be selected based on salary, starting from the highest-paying positions.”

Currently, the H-1B cap admits 85,000 workers annually, with 65,000 slots for general applicants and 20,000 reserved for those holding advanced US degrees. Should the new system take effect, it could reshape hiring practices for technology firms and other industries heavily reliant on H-1B talent.

The Road Ahead

As US immigration policies evolve, Indian professionals find themselves at a crossroads. With rising deportation risks, shifting visa rules, and political rhetoric adding to the uncertainty, many are rethinking their futures in the United States. While some weigh the challenges of returning to India or relocating elsewhere, others remain undecided, caught between hope and apprehension. What’s clear, however, is that the dream of working in America is no longer as straightforward—or as secure—as it once seemed.