H-1B visa crackdown: Deportation fears under Trump rise as 41% immigrants express concern, reveals survey

Core Insights - The H-1B visa program is essential for U.S. companies to recruit skilled foreign professionals, particularly in the tech sector [10] - The Trump administration has raised application fees and changed the lottery system for H-1B visas, which has significant implications for the immigration landscape [10] - Indian immigrants, who are the largest beneficiaries of the H-1B visa program, are disproportionately affected by these changes [10] Immigration Impact - 22% of immigrants report knowing someone who has been arrested, detained, or deported on immigration-related grounds since Trump took office [9] - Concerns about detention or deportation have increased, with 41% of immigrants expressing worry, up from 26% in 2023 [8] - The lack of confidence in fair treatment by the U.S. legal system is prevalent, with 53% of immigrants lacking such confidence [8] Travel Concerns - Nearly 30% of immigrants have canceled travel plans to avoid scrutiny from immigration authorities, with 63% of undocumented immigrants reporting travel avoidance [8] - Caution extends to H-1B visa holders, with 32% refraining from travel, and 15% of naturalized citizens also reporting similar behavior [8] Policy Changes - The Department of Homeland Security plans to replace the traditional lottery system for H-1B visas with a weighted selection system favoring higher-paid and more skilled applicants, effective February 27, 2026 [3] - The increase in H-1B visa fees and the new selection system are part of a broader immigration policy shift under the Trump administration [4][5]