In the US presidential election, there are significant differences between the policies of Vice President and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris and former President and Republican candidate Donald Trump. Both candidates have their own views on immigration, visa policies and economic policies. According to the latest results, Donald Trump is leading. What effect will it have on Indians if he becomes President? What will be the impact on Indian immigration issues especially related to student and work visas. Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have completely different views on immigration policy. Can their vision shape the future of Indian citizens looking for opportunities in America?
Trump’s immigration policy
H-1B Visa Rules: Donald Trump has historically criticized the H-1B visa program. He has called it ‘very bad’ for American workers. During his previous tenure, he imposed stricter eligibility criteria and raised the salary cap, which led to an increase in the rejection rate from 6% in 2015 to 24% in 2018. If re-elected, he could tighten these rules and possibly change the program entirely.
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Student Visa and Optional Practical Training: Trump’s administration had previously increased scrutiny on F-1 student visas and proposed limits on OPT, which allows international students to work in the US after graduation. His election campaign statements suggested a focus on imposing strict immigration controls. Which may affect Indian students seeking work while studying in America.
Comprehensive Immigration Enforcement: Trump’s promises include mass deportations and ending birthright citizenship for children born to non-citizen parents, signaling a tough stance. These promises of his may create a more hostile environment for all migrants coming from India.
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Kamala Harris’s immigration policy
Support for H-1B Visa: Unlike Donald Trump, Kamala Harris has shown support for increasing the annual cap on H-1B visas and has advocated maintaining the pathway for skilled workers. He has previously co-sponsored legislation aimed at eliminating country-specific caps on employment-based green cards. Which will benefit many Indian citizens who are currently waiting for a long time.
Flexibility in student visa: Harris may promote policies that extend the OPT period for STEM graduates, giving Indian students more time to gain practical experience in their fields after graduation. His administration will likely focus on creating a more inclusive immigration environment than Trump’s.
Family-Based Immigration: While Harris supports family reunification policies, there are concerns about her ability to address the backlog faced by many Indian families seeking visas. Nevertheless, his stance is generally considered more favorable toward immigrants than Trump’s.
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Harris in favor of ban on refugees
Kamala Harris has condemned many of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, but has supported some of President Joe Biden’s decisions, such as the ban on refugees. Because incidents of illegal border crossing have reached record levels. He has tried to address the root causes of migration by securing private funding for development projects in Latin America.
Trump will deport illegal immigrants
Donald Trump implemented sweeping anti-immigrant policies during his presidency, including separating immigrant children from their parents. If he is re-elected, he wants to round up millions of illegal immigrants, put them in camps and mass deport them.
How much impact on Indians?
The outcome of the 2024 US presidential election will have a deep impact on the Indian diaspora. A Trump victory could lead to increased restrictions on both work and student visas, creating uncertainty and potential deportation threats. Conversely, the Harris administration could increase opportunities for skilled workers and international students through more supportive immigration policies.
Tags: Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, US Election, US elections
FIRST PUBLISHED : November 6, 2024, 11:56 IST