US Stricter Visa Policies Hit India and China Hard
Washington, March 23 – The Trump administration’s tightened immigration policies significantly impacted visa issuance for Indian and Chinese nationals, with the United States issuing 2.5 lakh fewer visas in the first eight months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to media reports.From January to August 2025, the State Department approved 11 per cent fewer permanent and temporary visas than during the same period a year earlier. These visas primarily cover students, workers, and family members of US citizens and legal residents. Tourist visas, which also declined during this period, are not included in the 11 per cent drop.
According to the report, the number of visas for Chinese and Indian nationals fell by approximately 84,000 compared to the first eight months of 2024. The decline largely reflects fewer international students and workers from these countries.
Business and tourism visas also fell by about 3.4 per cent in the period under review, amounting to nearly 2 lakh fewer visas issued. Student visas experienced the steepest drop, falling from over 3.44 lakh in January–August 2024 to just above 2.38 lakh in the same period of 2025.
Family preference visas, which include adult children and siblings of US citizens, decreased by more than 27 per cent, translating to over 44,000 fewer visas. Visas issued to seafarers and airline workers fell by 30,876, while those for cultural exchange visitors dropped by 29,594. Fiancé and spouse visas declined sharply from 37,229 in the first eight months of 2024 to 18,894 in 2025.
White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson emphasized the administration’s priority on domestic citizens, stating, "President Trump was elected with a resounding mandate to put American citizens first, and every policy decision he has made has reflected that priority."
State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott added, "A visa is a privilege, not a right. Unlike the Biden administration, President Trump is not willing to compromise the safety of American citizens to allow mass migration of unvetted foreign nationals into our country."
The data underscores the significant impact of the stricter visa policies, particularly on Indian and Chinese nationals seeking study, work, and family-related opportunities in the United States.
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