New Delhi: The Trump administration is preparing a fresh set of immigration rules that could make it more difficult for foreign professionals, students and employers to navigate the US immigration system. The proposed changes cover some of the most popular routes used by Indians to study and work in the United States. Therefore, Indians, who form one of the largest immigrant groups in the US, could especially face more hurdles under proposed changes to the H1B programme, L1 visas and student visas. The proposals are part of the latest Unified Regulatory Agendas released by the US Departments of Homeland Security (DHS), Labor (DOL) and State (DOS). While none of the measures has taken effect yet, they offer the clearest indication of the administration's plans. If implemented, the changes could mean stricter eligibility rules, more paperwork, closer scrutiny of employers and higher costs for companies that hire foreign workers.

India is likely to be among the countries most affected because Indians account for a large share of H1B visa holders, employment-based Green Card applicants and international students in the US.

One of the biggest proposed changes concerns the H1B visa programme, which allows US companies to hire foreign professionals in specialised fields. Every year, 85,000 new H1B visas are available under the annual cap. The DHS is expected to publish a proposed rule in August that would tighten several parts of the programme.