A significant number of Indians residing in the United States are reconsidering their future in the country, as stricter immigration policies and economic pressures continue to rise under former President Donald Trump’s administration.

According to a recent survey conducted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, nearly 40% of Indian-origin respondents expressed willingness to leave the US permanently. The findings highlight growing dissatisfaction among the Indian diaspora, which constitutes around 1.5% of the US population and plays a crucial role in sectors such as information technology and healthcare.

The survey reveals that 71% of respondents are unhappy with the current administration, while 58% cited political instability as a major concern. Rising living costs (54%) and personal safety issues (41%) have further contributed to this sentiment.

Immigration-related challenges have intensified in recent years. Data from the Cato Institute shows that H-1B visa approvals have declined by approximately 25%, while applications dropped sharply following steep fee increases. Additionally, student visa approvals have fallen by 40–44%, largely due to stricter background checks and social media scrutiny.

These changes have prompted many students and professionals from India to explore alternative destinations such as Canada, France, and Australia.

The broader economic and social implications are also notable. Legal immigration has reportedly declined by nearly 1.5 million — a rare trend over the past six decades. According to findings from the Pew Research Center, around 750,000 workers have been affected, creating challenges for industries reliant on skilled talent, including technology firms and universities.

Concerns over increasing incidents of racism and online hate have added to the unease among expatriates. While some individuals prefer to wait until the end of Trump’s term, others are actively planning relocation.

Experts warn that a large-scale exit of Indian professionals could impact the US economy, particularly in high-skill sectors, potentially leading to talent shortages and broader economic consequences.