US President Donald Trump, speaking at an AI Summit in Washington, urged tech giants like Google and Microsoft to stop hiring in India and China, pushing for a focus on American workers. His remarks, targeting the outsourcing practices of these firms, have raised concerns among Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in the US tech sector.
Trump’s Call to Action
Trump criticized tech companies for “reaping the blessings of American freedom” while “building factories in China, hiring workers in India, and stashing profits in Ireland.” He declared, “Under President Trump, those days are over,” and called for Silicon Valley to “put America first.” Alongside his speech, he signed three executive orders to boost domestic AI development, including accelerating infrastructure, ensuring political neutrality in federally funded AI, and promoting American-made AI exports.
Implications for NRIs
The US tech industry heavily relies on Indian talent, with many NRIs employed on H-1B visas and Indian firms providing outsourcing services. A shift to prioritize American hiring could reduce job opportunities for Indian professionals in the US, increasing competition for roles and complicating visa renewals. This comes amid existing challenges, as seen in Microsoft’s recent layoffs of 9,000 employees, which have already impacted Indian visa workers and NRIs. Read more.
Potential changes in visa policies could further affect NRIs, especially those navigating the H-1B system, which has faced scrutiny and reform debates in 2025. Read more here. The tech job market is tightening, with 63,823 layoffs across 150 companies this year, making adaptability crucial for Indian professionals.
What’s Next?
Trump’s executive orders signal a push for domestic tech growth, which may limit outsourcing and reshape hiring practices. For NRIs, this means staying informed and upskilling in areas like AI and cloud computing to remain competitive. While the policy aims to benefit American workers, it poses challenges for the global tech workforce, including Indians in America.
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