New Delhi: The American Dream is turning into a nightmare for thousands of Indians, as visa approvals plummet across key categories beyond just the much-maligned H-1B.
Fresh data reveals a staggering 34% drop in H-4 dependent visas and a heart-wrenching 35% decline in F-1 student visas for Indians over the past three years, leaving families and aspiring scholars in limbo while rivals like China and Nepal surge ahead.
According to a Moneycontrol report, H-4 visas – crucial for spouses and children of H-1B holders – nosedived to a mere 46,982 issuances by May this year, down from 71,130 in 2023. Mexico doubled its tally, while Ghana, South Africa, and the Philippines posted sharp gains. China notched a 10.7% rise, underscoring India’s isolation in the queue.
The blow hits hardest for students: F-1 approvals for Indians crashed from 17,800 in 2023 to 11,484 now – a 35% freefall. In contrast, China gained 10%, Vietnam soared 40%, and Nepal exploded by 260%. African nations like Zimbabwe and Kenya also tripled their shares. L-1 intracompany transfer visas fell 28% for India, with L-2 dependents down 38%, as China celebrated 64% and 43% boosts, respectively. Israel, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brazil reaped similar windfalls.
South Asia’s laggard status stings:
Nepal’s F-1 visas ballooned 262%, Pakistan doubled them, and Bangladesh eked out modest 5-28% hikes. Even H-1B approvals have tumbled over 37% in two years, rippling through families and futures. Looming larger is a proposed $100,000 annual H-1B fee, slamming the door wider.
As Trump-era echoes resound, experts warn of tighter scrutiny ahead. For ambitious Indians, the red, white, and blue feels increasingly out of reach.