US Visa No Longer A Passport To Love For Indians After Trump H-1B Squeeze

For many Indians, the prospect of marrying a compatriot working in the United States held the promise of financial security and a better quality of life. Families often welcomed the tradition of their children sending money home and supporting extended family. However, tightened U.S. immigration policies, particularly concerning the H-1B skilled-worker visa, are changing this dynamic, making families in India less inclined to seek matches with Indian citizens based in the United States. The fear that potential partners might lose their jobs or immigration status is a significant concern.

Sidhi Sharma, a 19-year-old medical student from Haryana, India, had always dreamed of settling in the U.S. after marriage. However, recent headlines about U.S. President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown led her to drop the idea. "I had always dreamed of settling in the U.S. after marriage," she said. "Trump has shut the door for me".

From Prized Prospects to Uncertain Matches

The United States has the world's largest Indian diaspora, with around 2.1 million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) considered highly sought-after marriage prospects. However, since returning to office in January 2025, President Trump has launched a broad immigration crackdown, including efforts to limit legal pathways to residency. His overhaul of the H-1B visa program is a prominent effort to reshape temporary work visas and has significantly impacted Indians, who accounted for 71% of those visas last year.

According to matchmakers, academics, and prospective brides and grooms, tighter U.S. immigration policies are making families in India less inclined to marry their children to Indian citizens based in the United States due to the fear that the potential partners might lose their job or immigration status. There is no official government data on marriages between Indian citizens living at home and overseas.

Anuradha Gupta, the founder of the bespoke matchmaking service 'Vows For Eternity', noted that "Immigration policies may be written in Washington, but its ripple effects are seen at dinner tables of Indian families when they're talking about marriages". Traditionally, marriages in India are family-driven decisions, with relatives and matchmaking agencies facilitating "arranged" matches. While love marriages are gaining ground, especially in cities, families often still play supportive roles.

The H-1B Squeeze and its impact

The H-1B visa, which allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations, has long been a pathway for skilled Indian professionals seeking opportunities in the United States. However, the Trump administration's policies have made obtaining and renewing these visas more difficult. Increased scrutiny, higher denial rates, and changes to wage requirements have created uncertainty and anxiety among Indian workers.

The U.S. Commerce Secretary stated that there would be "a significant number of changes" in the H-1B visa process before February 2026, when a new fee of $100,000 goes into effect. The administration has also launched 'Project Firewall,' an H-1B enforcement initiative aimed at safeguarding the rights, wages, and job opportunities of highly skilled American workers.

Adapting to a New Reality

Some matchmakers are adapting to the new reality. Knot.dating, a premium matchmaking platform, introduced a 'U.S. visa filter' on its app as it expanded into India's south. Jasveer Singh, the company's cofounder and CEO, said that many families are keen on NRIs and want to see the visa status of the suitor before proceeding further. Since launching the feature in September, about 1,000 NRIs have signed up, with 60% on H-1B visas and the rest on green cards or other visas. Of those who signed up, 81% were men.

Harshita Yalamarty, an assistant professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, noted that "Every time there has been speculation about stopping or tightening the restrictions around H-1B visas and skilled-worker migration, there has always been a corresponding impact on the marriage market".

Seeking Alternatives

As the U.S. becomes a less certain destination, some families are now looking to countries including the UK and Canada for potential matches. The dream of settling in the U.S. is fading for some, replaced by concerns about job security and immigration status.

These changes reflect a broader shift in the perception of the "American Dream" among some Indians. The H-1B visa, once a prized ticket to a better life, is now viewed with caution and uncertainty, impacting decisions about love, marriage, and the future.

Furthermore, new rules for green card marriages are adding another layer of complexity. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has rolled out stricter rules for family-based immigration petitions, especially for married couples. These new rules, effective August 1, 2025, require couples to provide more detailed evidence to prove the authenticity of their marriage, including joint financial documents, photos, and testimonials. More in-person interviews will be conducted, and past immigration history will be scrutinized. USCIS has also clarified that approval of a petition does not protect applicants from deportation.