America to Indians: No Early, Poor, or Unreal Visits

A sharp message is emerging for Indian professionals and students considering a future in the United States: the immigration door is narrowing, and only top-tier talent is likely to succeed.

In a widely discussed LinkedIn post, Lokesh Ahuja, an economist and alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), summarized the shift in U.S. immigration priorities with a stark phrase: “Don’t come poor, don’t come early, don’t expect.”

His post reflects growing sentiment that the U.S. immigration system is being recalibrated to favor high-earning, highly experienced applicants, particularly those working in tech, finance, and research. The days when fresh graduates or entry-level workers could rely on the American Dream are fading fast.

Immigration Tightens Across the Board

Recent U.S. visa approval data shows that:

• Indian student visa approvals declined by 44% in early 2025.
• Application volumes for the fall semester are also reportedly down by over 50%.

Tighter scrutiny, rising rejection rates, and renewed political debates on issues like birthright citizenship have added to the growing concerns. These developments follow broader trends in Western countries, where immigration policies increasingly prioritize "premium migrants"—those with high income, education, and specialized experience.

Global Trend Toward Selective Migration

The United States isn’t alone. Countries like Canada, Australia, and several EU nations have also adopted points-based immigration systems that strongly favor older, financially stable, and professionally accomplished applicants.

“Young professionals without high-paying offers may soon find themselves locked out of the U.S.,” Ahuja warned. “Immigration is becoming a privilege for the globally elite.”

Key Takeaways

Trend	Implication
Student visa rejections rising	Early-career aspirants face more hurdles
Preference for high-income earners	Tech and finance professionals still in demand
Restrictive political sentiment	Increased scrutiny, potential changes to citizenship policies
Global competition for top talent	Countries aim to attract, not accommodate

Outlook

The shift marks a significant change in the U.S. immigration ethos. While the country remains a beacon for global talent, the bar is rising—especially for Indian applicants. Experts advise that only those with strong credentials, job offers, and financial backing are likely to succeed in this evolving environment. Others may need to reconsider their timelines, improve their profiles, or look to more accessible destinations.