Until recently, there was immense demand for NRI grooms, especially those settled in the United States.
For many Indian families, marrying off their daughters to men working in America was considered a dream come true; a ticket to prosperity and prestige.
However, this trend is witnessing a sharp decline due to growing uncertainties surrounding immigration policies and lifestyle concerns in the US.
Marriage bureaus across India have noted a visible drop in interest among brides and their parents for matches involving H-1B visa holders.
The shifting policies during the Trump administration, coupled with ongoing immigration complications, have created doubts about permanent settlement in the US.
The life long wait for green cards and the increasing volatility of tech jobs have made parents hesitant to choose grooms with uncertain futures abroad.
Adding to this, many families express concerns over America’s gun culture, rising crime rates and social issues such as drug abuse and racial discrimination. What was once seen as the land of opportunities now appears unsafe and unstable.
A professor from Osmania University shared that his doctor daughter, once eager to move to the US for higher studies, chose to stay in India due to the uncertain immigration climate and safety concerns.
The perception shift extends beyond marriage prospects. Young Indians are now rethinking their plans to study or work in the US, as education costs soar and job opportunities become scarce.
With declining enthusiasm toward American visas and lifestyles, the “USA dream” that once captivated middle-class India seems to be fading.
As a result, the United States’ image has suffered a setback in both the Indian education market and matrimonial circles.
