Trump as the new US President: The Benefits for Indian Students

Donald Trump has been elected as the new US President. This blog intends to cover what it means for Indian students intending to pursue MS in US.

It is important to note that skilled immigrants with advanced degrees have started more than half (44 of 87) of America’s startup companies valued at $1 billion or more and are key members of management or product development teams in over 70 percent (62 of 87) of these companies- according to a 2016 National Foundation for American Policy study. Most of these entrepreneurs and key personnel at some point obtained H-1B status, often after studying at a U.S. university.

Thus, skilled immigrants have been a powerhouse of talent, proficiencies and entrepreneurship.

A. Republicans support lawful and skilled Immigration

-Republicans largely oppose illegal and unlawful immigration but they have been in favor of skilled immigration for decades. Today in US, there are over 11 million illegal residents (Largely from Mexico and other Latino countries). Compared that to just 85,000 H1B’s (work permit visas) are awarded every year for skilled foreign workers.
– Now the Republican Party controls both – the US senate and house along with the presidency – which could open up a passage for the skilled immigration bills to pass.This opens up the gridlock of the last 10+ years. Allowing more visas for students with STEM degrees.
– Today getting H1B visas (work visa) after finishing advanced degrees is hard, and permanent residency even harder. With above changes, it should get easier for Indians with advanced degrees to get more student visas and work visas, as 99% of the Indians fall under “skilled immigration (STEM)” category

B. Economy will create more Jobs – Creating higher demand for skilled workforce that America does not have today

– Trump is proposing lowering of taxes. He is also suggesting more manufacturing to happen in the US and is against outsourcing of American jobs. This implies that the US economy will have to create more skilled jobs within America itself. But today America faces a severe dearth of a skilled workforce with advanced STEM degrees. Indian students in US will be in high demand to fulfill those new jobs that will be created in US. Also fewer jobs will be outsourced – which creates increased demand for jobs within the USA, in turn benefiting Indian students in America

C. Trump thinks India as an allied nation
– This will open doors for the stronger relationship with India, as India is a natural ally in this new order. This will open up lot of opportunities for Indians