The article first appeared in Hindustan Times on Feb 5, 2025.
Indian Americans have diverse opinions about former President Donald Trump’s policies on immigration and tariffs, especially regarding their implications for both the United States and India. While some appreciated his strong stance on economic policies, others were critical of his restrictive immigration measures.
One of the most contentious issues for Indian Americans and Trump was his administration’s approach to immigration. Many Indian professionals in the U.S. rely on H-1B visas, which saw increased scrutiny under Trump. His administration sought to tighten regulations, making it harder for new applicants and delaying green card processing. This created uncertainty among highly skilled Indian workers, many of whom had been waiting for permanent residency for years.
On the other hand, some Indian Americans and Trump supporters felt that stricter immigration policies helped protect American jobs. They argued that prioritizing merit-based immigration could ultimately benefit Indian talent by favoring skilled professionals over family-based immigration systems. However, the overall sentiment in the Indian American community leaned towards disappointment, as many families faced delays and disruptions.
Trade policies under Trump also affected the perception of Indian Americans. His administration imposed tariffs on Indian goods, leading to tensions between the two countries. In response, India retaliated with tariffs on American products, impacting both economies. Indian Americans and Trump’s economic strategies were often viewed as protectionist, which clashed with the interests of businesses relying on cross-border trade.
Despite these challenges, some Indian Americans and Trump allies saw his push for fairer trade deals as beneficial in the long run. They believed that recalibrating trade relations could lead to a stronger partnership between the U.S. and India. However, businesses dependent on Indian exports, particularly in the IT and pharmaceutical industries, were affected by the policy shifts.
While Trump maintained a close relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his policies had mixed consequences for India. The focus on “America First” led to economic friction, but strategic ties, especially in defense and counterterrorism, remained strong. Many Indian Americans and Trump supporters acknowledged the strengthening of diplomatic relations but remained concerned about the economic impact…
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