New Delhi: Recent changes in U.S. immigration policies, particularly the introduction of a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications, have led to a noticeable shift in matrimonial preferences among Indian families. Traditionally, marrying a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) residing in the United States was considered advantageous, offering financial stability and a pathway to the "American Dream." However, the increased uncertainty surrounding U.S. visa statuses and job security has caused many to reconsider such alliances.

Matchmaking services across India report a decline in demand for NRI grooms, with some platforms introducing visa filters to help users navigate these complexities. The shift in marital preferences also coincides with broader concerns over the declining appeal of settling in the U.S., prompting many Indians to look to other countries such as Canada and the UK for better stability and security.

The introduction of the $100,000 fee has been met with legal challenges. A coalition of unions, employers, and religious organizations has filed a lawsuit against the policy, arguing that it oversteps constitutional boundaries and could suppress innovation by limiting access to skilled foreign workers. The administration defends the fee as a measure to discourage abuse of the H-1B program and claims it will protect American wages and bolster national security.

This policy change has also had economic implications. The Indian rupee recently hit an all-time low against the U.S. dollar, influenced by policy tensions and reduced investor confidence in the tech sector. The Reserve Bank of India has been actively intervening in the currency markets to stabilize the rupee, with estimates suggesting interventions totaling between $10 billion to $20 billion.

In response to these challenges, Indian families are reevaluating their preferences for settling abroad and considering alternative destinations that offer more stability and clearer immigration pathways.