Will the U.S. ban H‑1B visas in 2025?
There’s no official ban right now, but talk of suspending or severely tightening the H‑1B programme is gaining fresh traction in U.S. political circles.
The push follows steep tariffs on India and sharp remarks from President Donald Trump, with prominent voices such as Marjorie Taylor Greene framing restrictions as “protecting American jobs” amid tech‑sector layoffs.
H‑1B visa latest news and political pressure
- Annual cap: 85,000 total (20,000 reserved for U.S. advanced‑degree holders).
- Indian majority: Indians make up the largest share of approvals, especially in tech‑heavy roles.
- Public opinion split: Viral poll claims suggest 63% of U.S. respondents support restrictions, while 69% of India‑based respondents predict harm.
- Election‑year optics: Tighter immigration stances tend to poll well with some voter blocs — even if final policy is watered down.
H‑1B job loss grace period — are early deportations happening?
Legally, H‑1B holders have 60 days after job loss to transfer, change status, or leave the country. However, social media chatter claims some Indian professionals (or their acquaintances) have received deportation notices within two weeks of layoffs — a worrying trend, though not officially confirmed.
They call it a "VISA program," but it’s really a pipeline for cheap foreign labor. The H-1B scam lets corporations bypass American grads, while universities and tech giants cash in. It’s a betrayal of the American worker. With AI already threatening millions of jobs, why is DC… pic.twitter.com/TLGYNtOA4q
— Brevard Republicans (@BrevardGOP) May 31, 2025
Green card backlog for Indians in 2025
Over 1 million Indian nationals remain stuck in employment‑based EB‑2/EB‑3 queues, forcing many to extend H‑1B status for years.
FY 2026 registrations fell to 358,000 — the lowest since 2021—raising concerns about demand and approval rates.
PERM labor certification sabotage — fact or fiction?
Unverified reports allege organised groups are submitting fake applications to genuine PERM job postings, potentially delaying or derailing green card sponsorships.
Immigration attorneys recommend that employers document every recruitment step and preserve evidence.
Nearly half of Indians on H-1B and L-1 visas in the #US say they would return home if they lost their jobs, while just over a third would seek another #USVisa
Pay cuts, deportation risks, and quality-of-life issues weigh on migration choices.@surbhiglori #H1Bvisa #India… pic.twitter.com/Pp0uFzSI3f
— Business Standard (@bsindia) August 19, 2025
Possible H‑1B crackdown scenarios
- Rhetoric‑only clampdown (most likely short term) — Tough talk and more Requests for Evidence (RFEs) slow cases, but do not cut caps.
- Targeted tightening — Higher wage floors, narrower specialty‑occupation definitions, and stricter third‑party rules hurt consulting models first.
- Formal restrictions — Executive suspension or cap reduction mid‑cycle; low likelihood but high disruption.
What H‑1B workers and employers should do now
Employers: Audit degree requirements vs. roles, ensure wage levels meet or exceed prevailing rates, keep recruitment and end‑client documentation up to date.
Workers: Maintain a ready‑to‑share document kit (transcripts, past petitions, pay stubs), line up recruiters early, and explore EB‑1, NIW, or alternative destinations like Canada or the UAE.
