Will Indians find it difficult to get jobs and studies in America? Why did the return of Donald Trump raise this question?

US President Donald Trump News: America has got its new President. Donald Trump has taken oath as the 47th President of the country. Trump is taking charge of the country for the second time. During the election campaign, Donald Trump had adopted a very tough stance on immigration. he/she had clearly said that illegal immigrants would be thrown out of the country. However, he/she has also talked about limiting the number of people coming into the country legally.
After the return of Donald Trump, there is a discussion among Indians whether it will become difficult to go to America for study or job in the future. There are many reasons behind this, which include Trump supporters’ demand to close the H-1B visa program, demand to abolish the OPT given to foreign students including Indians. In such a situation, let us know what effect the new government of Donald Trump will have on Indian students and workers.

H-1B Visa Program

Recently, there has been a lot of controversy in America regarding the H-1B visa program. H-1B visa is a lifeline for Indians going to work in the tech sector in the US. This visa is given for ‘specialty occupation’ i.e. jobs requiring certain skills. Trump’s plan is to tighten the definition of ‘specialty occupation’, so that only those with certain degrees can get visas. Besides, making the rules regarding visas stricter is also a part of Trump’s plan.

Besides, there is also a discussion going on that the salary limit for H-1B visa should be increased from $60 thousand to $1.20 lakh. If this happens, it will become difficult for Indians to get mid-level jobs. Many Indian workers are worried about the buzz around the new rules. It is expected that the new Trump government may soon take some concrete steps regarding the H-1B visa program.

OPT program also on target

Foreign students studying in America get a chance to work for one year after completing their degree under the ‘Optional Practical Training’ (OPT) program. If someone is studying Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths i.e. STEM courses, then he/she also gets an extension of two years. In this way, foreign students including Indians are able to work in America for three years. A large number of Indian students take admission in STEM courses, due to which they get extensions.

However, there is a demand in America to eliminate the STEM extension and reduce the time limit for employment under the OPT program to one year. If the Trump government does this by listening to the supporters, then because of this, job opportunities for Indians studying in America will end. By studying STEM courses, students also have the option of obtaining H-1B visa, which may end.