For decades, the United States has been seen as the ultimate destination for Indians. But that image is now weakening, with a growing number of Indian Americans thinking about leaving. A new survey by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, conducted with YouGov, shows that nearly 40% of Indian Americans have considered emigrating due to political, economic and social concerns.
"A small minority of respondents, 14 percent, say they have thought about leaving the United States frequently, while 26 percent have occasionally thought about it," the survey notes.
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"Interestingly, the most cited reason is frustration with US politics, mentioned by nearly six in ten respondents (58 percent). This is followed closely by concerns about the cost of living (54 percent) and personal safety (41 percent)," the survey added.
There are currently over 5.2 million people of Indian origin living in the United States, making them one of the largest immigrant communities.
The biggest reason behind this shift is dissatisfaction with the political environment. Many respondents said they were unhappy with the leadership of US President Donald Trump and how key issues like the economy, immigration and global relations are being handled.
About 71% of respondents said they disapproved of the government’s performance. However, experts say foreign policy is not the main concern. Instead, it is the tone of domestic politics and a growing feeling among immigrants that they are less welcome.
Apart from politics, day-to-day living has become more difficult. The rising cost of living in major US cities is a big concern for Indian families. High rents, expensive childcare and inflation are making long-term settlement harder.
Many also reported a growing sense of discomfort in daily life. While there has not been a sharp rise in violence, concerns about bias at workplaces and online spaces have increased. Some respondents said they now avoid certain conversations or feel less safe in public.
Another major issue is the US immigration system. Long visa backlogs and delays in getting green cards continue to affect thousands of Indian professionals.
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