US immigration policy and NRI weddings
First let us look in to the US policy changes and its ripple effect on marriages
Dated 01.12.2025 : President Trump has stated his intention to “permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries“ to allow the U.S. system to “fully recover.” While the term “Third World” is outdated and undefined in U.S. immigration law, this rhetoric signals a broad, significant reduction in all forms of migration from developing nations.
The Trump administration has so far brought about several significant changes and proposed policies concerning immigration that impact developing nations, often referred to as “third-world countries,” including India . The general approach of the present administration has been to significantly curtail both legal and unauthorized immigration and prioritize policies that the administration states are intended to protect American workers and national security.
Here are some of the major changes and proposals affecting countries like India, particularly concerning high-skilled and family-based immigration:
1. High-Skilled Visas (H-1B, EB-1A)
This area has seen some of the most direct and impactful changes for Indian nationals, who are the primary recipients of H-1B visas.
- Increased Scrutiny and New Fees for H-1B Visas:
- The administration has imposed a significantly increased fee for new H-1B visa applications. This has created massive challenges for companies and applicants, prompting many to look for alternative visa pathways.
- There is a heightened level of scrutiny and an increase in Requests for Evidence (RFEs), making the application and extension process for H-1B visas more difficult and unpredictable.
- Shift to Alternative Visa Categories: Due to the increased restrictions and costs on H-1B visas, many high-skilled Indian professionals are exploring alternative employment-based green card routes, such as the EB-1A visa (for individuals with extraordinary ability) and the EB2-NIW (National Interest Waiver), which offer a path to permanent residency without employer sponsorship.
2. Broad Immigration Crackdown and Security Vetting
While less focused specifically on India, several broad policies impact all immigrants and applicants from developing nations:
- Proposed “Permanent Pause” on Migration: President Trump has stated his intention to “permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries” to allow the U.S. system to “fully recover.” While the term “Third World” is outdated and undefined in U.S. immigration law, this rhetoric signals a broad, significant reduction in all forms of migration from developing nations.
- Increased Deportations and Enforcement: The administration has expanded interior immigration enforcement, with increased raids and a focus on deporting individuals who are undocumented or deemed a “public charge,” a “security risk,” or “non-compatible with Western Civilisation.”
- Green Card Review and Vetting: The administration has ordered a “full-scale, rigorous re-examination of every Green Card“ issued to migrants from certain “countries of concern.” While a specific list of 19 countries has been named (mostly in Africa and the Middle East), the increased level of scrutiny and social-media vetting is likely to affect all applicants from developing nations.
- End of Federal Benefits: There is a stated plan to end all federal benefits and subsidies for non-citizens, including denaturalising migrants who are deemed to “undermine domestic tranquillity” or are considered a public charge.
3. Impact on Family Life and Social Status
The policy changes have created widespread uncertainty and ripple effects, particularly within the Indian diaspora:
- Deterrence of Marriage to U.S.-Based NRIs: The instability and uncertainty surrounding the H-1B visa and job security in the U.S. have reportedly caused families in India to become more hesitant about arranging marriages for their children with Indian citizens who are based in the U.S. on temporary visas.
- Climate of Fear and Uncertainty: The aggressive stance on enforcement and the rhetoric surrounding “reverse migration” and the “permanent pause” have contributed to a climate of fear and uncertainty among all immigrant communities, regardless of their legal status.
Ripple Effect on marriages of NRIs
There have been media reports and anecdotal accounts regarding the hesitation of Indian families concerning marriages with Non-Resident Indian (NRI) individuals based in the U.S., directly citing the recent uncertainties in U.S. immigration policy.
Major media outlets have extensively covered the ripple effects of the Trump administration’s immigration proposals, particularly the changes concerning the H-1B visa.
Key Points Reported in the Media:
- Decreased Desirability of NRI Grooms: Reports from matchmaking services and news agencies indicate that the long-standing “craze” for marrying an NRI groom in the U.S. has significantly faded.
- Fear of Instability: The core concern for Indian families is the job security and long-term immigration status of a potential spouse who is in the U.S. on a temporary work visa like the H-1B.
- The proposed staggering fees (up to $100,000 annually) for the H-1B visa, combined with increased scrutiny and RFEs (Requests for Evidence), have created widespread panic about the financial and legal viability of staying in the U.S.
- Anecdotal Cases:
- Multiple articles have quoted a 19-year-old medical student, Sidhi Sharma from Haryana, who reportedly abandoned her plans to marry an NRI because the immigration uncertainty “has shut the door for me.”
- A 26-year-old Indian man in Atlanta was quoted anonymously, stating he knew of three weddings that were delayed as a direct result of the policy changes.
- Matchmakers’ Adaptations:
- Matchmaking services and platforms have confirmed the trend. Some, like Knot. dating, have even introduced a “U.S. visa filter” so families can check a suitor’s immigration status (e.g., H-1B vs. Green Card) before proceeding.
- Founders of services like Vows For Eternity and Vanaja Rao Quick Marriages have stated that the “visa status has become a deal-maker or breaker” and that the uncertainty has led to a slowdown and panic in the marriage market.
- Shifting Focus to Other Countries: With the American Dream becoming less certain, media reports suggest families are increasingly looking for matches in more stable immigration environments, such as Canada, the U.K., Europe, and the Middle East.
In summary, the Trump administration’s policies have generally pursued a strategy of restriction, increased vetting, and higher costs for immigrants from developing countries like India, especially affecting the high-skilled temporary worker program (H-1B). It has great effects on the marriage plans of NRIs, resulting in delays or cancellations of weddings