India-US Negotiations on Immigration and Visa Access for Indian Nationals

India-US Negotiations on Immigration and Visa Access for Indian Nationals

(LibertySociety.com) – India is negotiating the return of 18,000 nationals illegally residing in the US while vying for favorable visa access terms.

At a Glance

  • India looks to secure key visa programs by repatriating illegal migrants.
  • The US has identified 18,000 Indian nationals for deportation.
  • Negotiations cover immigration, trade, and economic ties.
  • Both nations aim to prevent policy disruptions.

India’s Strategic Move

India is actively engaging in talks with the US about repatriating approximately 18,000 Indian nationals living illegally in the US, aiming to safeguard critical visa pathways like the H-1B for its citizens. These discussions are seen as a mutual effort to prevent disruptions amid potential US policy shifts. India’s government highlights its willingness to address illegal immigration issues to maintain strong bilateral ties.

The US has identified these individuals for deportation, though the numbers might be higher. This move positions India to negotiate for continued access to pivotal visa programs that have historically benefited its skilled workforce. India is committed to building on past cooperation on repatriations as a sign of goodwill.

Key Visa and Trade Considerations


The H-1B visa program, crucial for Indian skilled workers, is a focal point, with a significant majority of these visas in recent years going to Indians.
Despite Trump’s support for H-1B, India is cautious about safeguarding access to other visas. The negotiations transcending immigration also encompass trade considerations, given potential tariff hikes against India.

“As part of India-US cooperation on migration and mobility, both sides are engaged in a process to deter illegal migration. This is being done to create more avenues for legal migration from India to the US” – Randhir Jaiswal

Secretary Rubio underlined Trump’s desire for expanding economic ties, mitigating irregular migration impacts. Strong relations cultivated by Modi serve as leverage in these comprehensive negotiations, aiming at mutually beneficial outcomes without sudden policy-induced hindrances.

Implications and the Path Forward

The dialogue between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar emphasizes joint commitments to address immigration challenges while exploring legal migration avenues. As both countries tackle illegal migration, the broader goal remains strengthening bilateral ties and economic partnerships.

“Jaishankar affirmed a shared commitment to continuing to strengthen the partnership between the United States and India” – State Department readout

Potential outcomes of these negotiations are crucial, not just for migration policy but also for the economic and diplomatic relations between India and the US. As the world watches these discussions, the stakes are high for both nations to navigate these complex issues amicably and constructively.

Copyright 2025, LibertySociety.com