New Delhi, Oct. 12 -- Since Donald Trump returned to power, his anti-immigration policies have threatened to shatter the American dream for Indians, who have been among the biggest beneficiaries of student and work visas and permanent residency.

Indians account for about 5% of green card issuance, second only to Mexico at 15%, and the highest share of H-1B work visa approvals at 70%. The latest numbers show a sharp decline on all these fronts, especially during the second Trump administration.

Last week, the US suspended an employment-based green card programme for tech companies, including India's top five IT companies - Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, Cognizant Technology Solutions, HCL Tech and Wipro. While the new policy affects...