Calls for Protection of Indian Workers in the US

Senior Indian politicians are emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the growing population of workers and legal immigrants from India in the US, suggesting it aligns with India’s strategic interests.

“Silence is an accomplice,” remarked Shashi Tharoor, a British-born politician leading the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs in India. He elaborated on how the diaspora’s quietness hinges on a delicate balance between success and solidarity, as well as assimilation and loyalty. For those in India, the value of the community doesn’t stem merely from wealth or titles, but rather from the willingness to support their homeland during critical moments.

There’s a rising sentiment among Indian nationalists that American Indians, often referred to as the “desi” population, should advocate for Hindu or Indian solidarity. One Indian columnist pointed out the disconnect, suggesting that there’s little redeeming about Trump and his supporters, while questioning whether the diaspora would indeed take action.

Notably, there is significant opposition among Americans—including many of Indian descent—regarding wage cuts and the export of lower-wage workers. An Indian-American expressed concern about how H-1B visa holders might be limiting opportunities for the next generation. Despite having degrees in STEM fields, they noted how tech companies tend to favor cheaper H-1B visa holders over more expensive American workers, leading to a silent endorsement of the current administration’s policies.

The Indian government’s economic strategy heavily relies on the migration of its citizens into white-collar roles in locations like Europe, Australia, Japan, and the US. Over the past three decades, over five million Indian immigrants have moved to the US through various legal and illegal channels. Programs such as H-1B and L-1 visas have allowed over a million Indians to join the US technology and healthcare sectors.

This strategy has yielded considerable success for both Indian and American investors, with Indian managers returning numerous investments to India in 2024 while sending around $38 billion back home in remittances. However, recent visa limitations imposed by Trump have caused unrest among India’s middle class.

In response to economic pressures from the US administration, there has been a concerted lobbying effort by Indian diplomats aimed at countering these policies. This strategy includes employing lobbyists in the US and publishing op-eds in high-profile outlets to raise awareness about the negative impacts of Trump’s policies.

However, the migration strategy has inadvertently alienated many Americans who feel pushed out of thriving careers. Tharoor discussed the backlash, citing potential tariff increases and visa application charges aimed at limiting Indian participation in the workforce, along with tightening immigration pathways.

Many Indians remain quiet amid this pressure as they try to integrate into their new societies. Indian Americans often find themselves balancing cultural pride with the need to assimilate, navigating complex feelings of loyalty and identity. Speaking out in defense of India can feel risky; it raises age-old questions about where one’s true loyalties lie.

The response from the Indian-American community has been, at most, muted, with some feeling that their resources and influence could significantly shape the narrative. They have the power to lobby Congress, sway media perceptions, and mobilize public sentiment—but finding that collective voice remains challenging.

Interestingly, there is also a segment of Indians in the US eager to increase the number of Indian immigrants. One attorney pointed out that Indian Americans often feel unfairly targeted by policies that overlook their concerns.

Indian immigration is a significant topic in American politics, especially in light of failed legislation aimed at supporting Indian contract workers. Some organizations have pushed back against bipartisan measures designed to restrict Indian visa holders in favor of American workers.

There’s also hesitance from some Indians in India who believe it’s unrealistic to expect American Indians to advocate for the Indian government, given the risks involved in standing against Trump within his own territory. A sentiment shared by some is that the diaspora may not take up the fight for their homeland.