Few Indian families are looking to marry their children off to American citizens as US visa rules tighten, fear of losing status or jobs has changed marriage trends.
Trump’s tightening immigration policy has reduced demand for Indian marriages in the US
Sidhi Sharma, a 19-year-old medical student from the northern state of Haryana, has given up her plans to marry an Indian working in the US.
“I always dreamed of settling in America after marriage, but Trump has closed that door for me,” she said.
In the wake of Donald Trump’s immigration restrictions, especially on the H-1B visa, Indian families are increasingly looking for grooms among those living in the United States.
How US policies affect marriage decisions in India
“Immigration rules may be written in Washington, but their impact is felt at the dinner tables of Indian families,” says Anuradha Gupta, founder of Vows For Eternity.
In a country where marriages are often arranged by families, not couples, stability and partner status remain key criteria.
But visa uncertainty has now become a deciding factor.
H-1B: From prestige to risk
The US has the largest Indian diaspora in the world, with more than 2.1 million people. Previously, such candidates were considered “golden parties.”
But with the reform of the H-1B visa program, the situation has changed.
In 2024, 71% of H-1B visas were granted to men, and it is their families who now worry that the new rules could destroy stability.
“Last year, the demand for NRI brides was crazy. Now it’s cooled down,” says Vanaja Rao, who has been in the matchmaking business for over 50 years.
Tech startups are adapting to the new reality
Knot.dating has introduced a “visa filter” for users.
“Families want to know the visa status of a potential fiancé before they continue communicating,” says Jasvir Singh, the company’s co-founder.
About 60% of the platform’s users are in the US on H-1B visas, the rest are green card holders or other residence permits.
The “American dream” is shifting to Canada and Europe
The weakening attractiveness of the US has led to new search directions — Canada, the UK, Europe and the Gulf countries.
“When families choose a marriage, they evaluate not only the partner, but also the stability of the future,” Gupta emphasizes.
Summary
Changes in US immigration policy under Donald Trump have reshaped India’s marriage dynamics.
Once a symbol of social upliftment, marriage to an NRI in the US is now increasingly seen as a risk of uncertainty rather than a guarantee of well-being.
Related: Panic among Indian and Chinese workers after Trump’s new visa rules
