As President-elect Donald Trump gears up for his second term, his latest appointments and policy declarations indicate a stringent approach to immigration, significantly impacting Indian immigrants — including those who are entering unlawfully and those who are in the US legally on work visas.
Trump appoints Tom Homan for strict border enforcement
Trump’s appointment of Tom Homan, the former leader of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as his “border czar” highlights this change.
Homan, recognized as a strong advocate for strict border enforcement, will manage the southern and northern borders, along with maritime and aviation security, without needing Senate approval. His role encompasses managing deportations, and he has pledged to carry out “the largest deportation effort this nation has ever experienced.”
This announcement comes after Homan’s continual claims that Trump is the president who “did the most” to protect US borders, a position that resulted in the enforcement of strict immigration regulations during Trump’s earlier term.
For India-Americans, this may signify increased dangers. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in Indians, especially from Gujarat and Punjab, trying to enter the US via illegal crossings.
Numerous individuals embark on perilous travels through Mexico and Canada, spending as much as $70,000 on human smuggling rings, and encountering severe dangers, including deadly occurrences. Under Homan’s leadership, the volume of deportations is anticipated to rise, probably impacting individuals who have chosen these perilous paths and strengthening the US border to deter future unauthorized immigration.
Also read: Trump picks India caucus head Mike Waltz as National Security Advisor
Trump’s appointment of Stephen Miller could impact Indian visa holders
Moreover, Trump’s choice to reappoint Stephen Miller as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy indicates a crackdown on both illegal and legal immigration that may affect thousands of Indian visa holders. Miller, the architect of Trump’s immigration policies during his initial term, is recognized for his stance against legal immigration.
Due to his influence, the number of H-1B visa rejections increased dramatically, and the renewal process for H4 EADs — work permits for spouses of H-1B visa holders — slowed considerably, affecting hundreds of thousands of Indian families residing in the US. With Miller returning to the White House, a similar strategy is expected, causing worries for Indian professionals who rely on these visas.
Miller has shown contempt for H-1B visa holders, and his firm views were evident when he released the now-revoked 2020 H-1B policy memo, which would have made up to 60 percent of Indians in the US on H-1 visas ineligible to work and reside in the US.
