A recent survey conducted by Blind, an anonymous app where professionals from around the world discuss trends and issues impacting them, has revealed some brutal facts.

In the wake of Trump calling out to American companies to stop hiring in India, 63% of US-based professionals felt the stance would benefit their companies, while 69% India-based respondents expressed negativity over the move.

That said, the survey by Blind, conducted between July 28 and August 8 this year, saw the participation of 1,584 verified Indian professionals, who are currently employed in the US on work visas, such as H-1B or L1.

One in six Indian H-1B visa holders has said they would return to India if deported from the US or if they were forced to leave.

An individual who is laid-off is allowed a 60-day grace period to look for another job or change their visa status. However, now, those issued such a notice also face the risk of being banned from the US permanently.

It is to be noted that from mid-2025, a deportation notice – commonly termed Notice to Appear (NTA) – is being served even before the completion of the grace period. There are instances where laid-off H-1B workers are given less than two weeks to leave the US for good.

Legal experts have even commented that it is better for the workers to move out of the US soon after their professional commitment ends or be taken away from them. This could ensure that they at least do not run the risk of a permanent ban from the US.

The survey revealed that 45% of Indian professionals on US work visas considered returning to India if they lost their jobs; 26% had ideas of relocating to another country, while 29% were not sure what they would do. Working in the US meant a better quality of life and more employment opportunities – these being the major reasons for Indian H-1B visa holders to stay put in the US. – editor@nrifocus.com