On May 24, 2026, India expressed its concerns regarding recent changes in US visa policy and immigration policies during discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio acknowledged potential challenges as the US implements a modernized immigration system.
Ahead of Rubio’s visit, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced a rule requiring foreigners seeking a green card to apply from their home country. Although softened later, this policy could impact many Indian professionals.
India’s Foreign Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the challenges faced by legitimate travelers in obtaining visas, emphasizing that legal mobility is crucial for India-US business and technological cooperation.
These talks aimed at resetting bilateral relations, strained by the Trump administration’s trade policies. Indian workers, who constitute 71% of H-1B visa holders, face significant backlogs in green card categories.
Rubio assured that the policy changes are not targeted at India specifically, but are part of a broader effort to address US immigration challenges. He emphasized that the US remains welcoming to immigrants, despite necessary adjustments.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, May 25, 2026
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