Trump Administration H-1B and Green Card Overhaul: What Indian IT Professionals Need to Know
The Trump administration’s proposed overhaul of the H-1B visa and green card programmes is set to reshape the U.S. immigration landscape, with potentially significant consequences for Indian IT professionals. The reforms focus on prioritising higher-earning foreign workers and replacing the current lottery system with a merit-based, wage-driven model.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed that the administration is exploring eliminating the H-1B lottery. “The average American earns $75,000 a year, while the average green card recipient earns $66,000. Why are we doing that? It’s like picking from the bottom,” Lutnick told Fox News. “The Gold Card is coming — we’re going to start picking the best people.”
The proposed “Gold Card” visa, still under discussion, is designed to attract high-skilled, high-income professionals and could replace parts of the existing green card system. Analysts note that the plan aligns with former President Trump’s “America First” strategy, emphasising domestic employment over foreign talent.
India accounts for over 70% of H-1B visa recipients, meaning these reforms could significantly affect Indian tech workers. Ramesh Srinivasan, an IT consultant in Bengaluru, said, “If this system goes through, it will be a game-changer for Indians seeking work in the U.S. Companies may now prefer candidates with higher salaries rather than experience or skill alone.”
Software engineers in Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru voiced similar concerns. “Many of us have been planning our careers around the lottery. Switching to a wage-based system could reduce opportunities for mid-level professionals and increase competition for high-paying roles,” said Mahesh, a software engineer.
Industry associations warned of unintended consequences. Anjali Mehta of the Indian IT services association said, “Restricting access to foreign talent may push companies to outsource jobs or hire remotely instead of recruiting locally.”
Experts also highlight potential global shifts. “Companies will seek talent wherever it is most cost-effective and efficient. Limiting foreign workers in the U.S. may simply drive jobs overseas,” said Dr. Vivek Raghavan, a migration policy analyst.
While the administration frames the reforms as protecting American jobs, analysts caution that the policy may undermine U.S. competitiveness in the tech sector. Indian IT firms and professionals are closely monitoring the situation, aware that the Gold Card and wage-based H-1B selection could reshape international talent flows in technology.
As the U.S. finalises the rules, the coming months will be critical for Indian IT professionals planning careers in America and for companies navigating global recruitment strategies.