In India, many families traditionally prefer NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) as ideal marriage matches. But with the new visa uncertainties and restrictions, that trend is fading. Families are now wary of marrying into US-based NRIs, fearing visa denials and instability will jeopardize their children’s futures.

One medical student from Haryana abandoned her plans to marry an NRI, lamenting that “Trump has shut the door” on her dream of settling in the US.  Meanwhile, matchmaking platforms in India are introducing US-visa status filters, since visa status is increasingly becoming a deal-breaker in arranging marriages.

Indian students, too, are facing fallout. Visas are being denied even to high-merit candidates, sometimes after social media scrutiny.  Student visa approvals from India have dropped sharply — US student arrivals from India fell by 50 % in August 2025 compared to the previous year.