In less than a week, the US will choose a new president, and immigration is still a problem, particularly for immigrant groups like American Indians. Many are worried about what might happen if former President Donald Trump were to win reelection.
Regarding the Republican, Russell A. Stamets, a partner at the Delhi-based law firm Circle of Counsels, stated that “Indians should fear a Trump presidency on many levels.” “Trump’s disdain for immigrants, especially non-white immigrants, has been blatantly obvious.”
Concerns among diasporas have increased as a result of Trump’s backing of Project 2025, a conservative group’s radical immigration and governance initiatives.
In his campaign, Trump pledged to carry out what he calls the “largest” deportation operation in US history, targeting undocumented immigrants. Additionally, he plans to review refugee programmes and end birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants, raising anxieties within South Asian communities.
What Indian immigrants are worried about
The Indian-American community, with a population of over 5.4 million, plays a vital role in the US economy. According to pro-immigration advocacy groups, Trump’s proposed changes – particularly the end of birthright citizenship – may face legal challenges, as it likely conflicts with the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution.
“Many Indians’ personal and economic lives will be complicated by a Trump presidency, and this should be a major factor when considering whether to move to or deal with the United States,” Stamets continued.
Harris’ position on reforming immigration
As the Democratic presidential contender, Vice-President Kamala Harris has made changing the US immigration system a top priority, calling it “broken.” Harris discussed the necessity of legislative action to control illegal immigration during a recent rally.
Trump, though, has not hesitated to criticize Harris’ record. Trump charged Clinton with permitting “migrant gangs and illegal alien criminals” to enter the United States during a rally this week. Trump asserted that “her policy of importing migrant gangs is a crime against our country.”
Potential effects of legal immigration
In a message to the media, Neera Tanden, President Joe Biden’s domestic policy adviser, criticized organizations who support limiting legal migration from Asian nations.
Tanden clarified that while border security has received a lot of attention, politicians’ perspectives on legal immigration varied significantly. “Restricting legal immigration, particularly from Asia, is a pressing issue that isn’t discussed enough,” the statement reads.
Tanden also cited Trump’s prior attempts, thwarted by congressional resistance, to restrict lawful immigration from India during his first term.
Why some Indian immigrants may still find Trump appealing
Not everyone sees Trump as a danger to Indian immigrants, despite worries. The founder of Abhinav Immigration Services, Ajay Sharma, thinks Indians could gain from a Trump presidency. “It’s good news for Indians if Trump wins,” Sharma told Business Standard. It is illegal immigration, not immigration in general, that Trump dislikes. They shouldn’t be concerned because the majority of Indians take legitimate routes.
Sharma pointed out that Trump previously voiced support for skilled immigration policies similar to those in Canada and Australia. He added, “The personal rapport between Mr Trump and Mr Modi is well known. This relationship could strengthen mobility agreements, which would be positive for Indians.”
American elections’ effects on Indian professionals
Changes in immigration laws may directly affect the community, as the US is one of the most popular places for Indian professionals and students to study. In 2023, the United States granted more than 140,000 student visas to Indians, making India the country’s top source of foreign students for three years in a row.
According to a survey by Intead, a student recruitment marketing provider and job search site F1 Hire, Indian students who work in the US make far more money than they would back home.
Indian professionals make between Rs 300,000 and Rs 800,000 a year in India, but their American colleagues may make around Rs 1 crore, thus the American Dream is still very much alive.
Polls show conflicting views on immigration.
There are significant differences between Trump and Harris supporters on immigration, according to a recent Pew Research survey. Mass deportations are supported by 88% of Trump supporters, whereas only 27% of Harris voters support this strategy.
Latanya, a Michigan undergraduate, expressed what many young voters felt. One of the main issues in this election is immigration. Harris is, in my opinion, a far better option than Trump, she told news agency PTI.
The final days of the campaign are proving to be tight, with polls showing both candidates neck-and-neck in key swing states. According to a nationwide CNN poll, 47 per cent of likely voters are leaning towards Harris, with an equal 47 per cent backing Trump. Similarly, a New York Times poll conducted from October 20 to 23 showed both candidates tied at 48 per cent.
Watch the swing states in the last few days.
Both candidates need to earn 270 of the 538 electoral votes in order to win the presidency. Seven crucial swing states—Georgia, Michigan, Arizona, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Nevada—are anticipated to be crucial in this contest.
One thing is certain as the election intensifies: immigration will remain a contentious subject, particularly among Indian Americans and the larger South Asian community.
