Asian Journal of Current Research

The past two decades (2000-2024) have witnessed a substantial increase in Indian immigration to the United States, driven by a complex interplay of economic, social, cultural, and policy factors. This period has seen significant changes in the global economic landscape, shifts in U.S. immigration policies, and evolving socio-cultural dynamics in both India and the United States. The main objectives of the study are to identify and analyse the key factors influencing Indian immigration to the United States, the trends and patterns of Indian immigrants to the United States over the specified period and to provide insights into the policy implications of Indian immigration to the United States, and recommend strategies for policymakers, stakeholders, and future researchers. This research examines the factors that make the United States a favoured destination for Indian immigrants, focusing on trends from 2000 to 2024. Using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS), Migration Policy Institute (MPI), and other reputable sources, the study identifies key drivers, including economic opportunities, educational prospects, and family reunification policies. This study adopted purposive sampling, and MS-Excel was used in sorting, presenting and analysing the data. The findings revealed that the Indian immigrants felt California was the most favoured destination in the USA. Indian immigrants dominate the H-1B visa program (~70% of recipients in recent years), particularly in tech and healthcare. Indian students are the second-largest international student group in the U.S., contributing billions to the education sector. Indian-Americans are among the top immigrant entrepreneurs in the U.S. Moreover, Family-based green cards and dependents of skilled workers form a large part of Indian immigrant communities. While many Indian immigrants succeed socioeconomically, disparities exist (e.g., among low-wage workers or undocumented students). The findings provide valuable insights into the motivations and trends underlying Indian migration to the U.S., emphasising the role of policy frameworks, cultural appeal, and professional aspirations.