Trump 2.0: How Stephen Miller's Role Could Impact Indian H-1B Applicants

With Stephen Miller back in White House as a key visor, many in tech industry, particularly Indian professionals, are bracing for potential shifts in H-1B visa program. Known for his hardline stance on immigration, Miller previously proposed significant reforms to H-1B system, which allows skilled foreign professionals to work in U.S. in fields like engineering, science, and programming. This visa program, which annually issues 65,000 slots, has long been a crucial pathway for international talent, including many from India, to contribute to U.S. tech industry.

In 2017, Miller suggested scrapping existing H-1B lottery system entirely, arguing it allowed outsourcing firms to flood process with applications, thus increasing ir chances of securing visas for entry-level positions, sometimes at cost of local workers. Inste, he proposed allocating visas based on wages, favoring higher-paid positions to prioritize highly skilled labor. He also raised idea of increasing application costs for larger companies as a way to discourage bulk filings. When presented with notion of raising fees, top tech CEOs from companies such as Google, Apple, and Facebook—present at White House meeting—did not object.

Here is what you need to know

Many in industry argue H-1B program is essential to attract global talent and maintain competitiveness. Satya Nella, CEO of Microsoft, emphasized this in 2017, stating that technology companies need flexibility to recruit talent internationally when necessary. Miller’s proposed changes, however, could shift program’s focus away from entry-level tech roles commonly outsourced to foreign workers, inste aiming to secure visas for high-paying jobs that typically attract experienced U.S.-based professionals.

For Indian techies, Miller’s return could mean stricter criteria for H-1B eligibility and higher costs for application processing. Some of his past proposals include imposing a 10-year waiting period on H-1B eligibility for international students, which would complicate process for newly gruated international students aiming to work in U.S.

Miller is a hardliner on immigration 

Stephen Miller’s views extend beyond H-1B program. As an immigration visor in Trump’s first ministration, he took a le role in meetings about deporting foreign nationals, arguing passionately for tougher stances. During se discussions, Miller reportedly referenced crimes by noncitizens, often presenting cases in emotionally charged terms to underscore his commitment to protecting “American lives.” In one session, he asked: “What are we doing to save American lives?” He argued that reducing immigration would enhance safety for U.S. citizens, a stance that aligns with his broer approach to limiting both legal and illegal immigration.

For many in tech industry and for H-1B hopefuls, Miller’s influence signals a potentially restrictive era, especially if his policy proposals from previous ministration are revisited.