Indian techies on the edge as Trump returns to office

A significant segment of Indian IT professionals in the US are jittery on the eve of Donald Trump’s official oath of office as the 47th President of the United States on January 20. These are mostly in the entry to mid-level employees and are anxiously waiting for clarity on H1B visas and Green card policies to unfold with the new President taking charge, experts said.

Some of these professionals, who are seeking an extension to their existing visas, are also looking at options outside of the US, like European countries, said Puneet Malhotra, partner at Heidrick and Struggles, an executive search firm.

“There is definitely a little bit of uncertainty in H1B visas but one has to understand that the companies in the US will not be able to fill up roles internally with replacements overnight,” said Malhotra.


Indian origin professionals in the US and recruitment services experts that ET spoke to said they were in the wait-and-watch mode.

“We are waiting to get more clarity on H1B visas and the new government’s take on foreign nationals working in the US. This will get clearer post the 20th,” said Neeti Sharma, CEO, TeamLease Digital, a tech and specialised staffing company.

“The US needs a skilled workforce in all areas, especially in the IT domain. In the short term, it is unlikely to have any impact. But in the long run, the US may focus on developing skills for its requirements and build talent for its future requirements,” Sharma said.

Another expert said it was unlikely that the US will pack up people back to their home countries overnight. “Opportunity for India is still imminent, especially with many US firms setting up GCCs here.”

But the Indian community in the US is anxious. “It’s actually quite a situation of mental stress…we don’t know what will happen once Trump comes in…we are hoping that there will be a stable visa regime…just praying that nothing disruptive happens,” said an Indian professional working in an IT company on the condition of anonymity.

The Indian IT services industry may get marginally impacted but is prepared for any disruptions, said Ratna Gupta, senior partner, ABC Consultants, an executive search firm. “Over the years, organisations have built up significant local teams in the West. Their talent acquisition leaders who are based in North America have ensured that any impact of policy changes can be absorbed.”

Trump’s policies so far talk about “America First,” however the industry is prepared this time round, said experts. “Despite some apprehensions, the business outlook remains positive with anticipated growth,” Gupta added.

Another IT professional of Indian origin said that the discussions in their group gatherings are centred around what could happen next. “Everyone is looking at each other and there is a level of uncertainty at what could happen.”

Not only those on H1B visas, but even Green card holders are facing uncertainty. “Even a holding a Green Card doesn’t matter as you never know with Trump as the president,” said another Indian professional in the US. “But there’s nothing much we can do.”

An Indian couple with two children, who moved to the US 20 years ago, said, “We expedited our citizenship process to escape the uncertainties due to the political changes. But yes, a lot of my friends who are on H1B are apprehensive as Trump takes over. Though his latest comments have been pro H1B, with him one just doesn’t know.”