For Telugu-speaking communities in the U.S., the relationship with America remains deep-rooted, as waves of professionals continue to migrate from the Telugu states in India in search of career opportunities. With the upcoming presidential elections, Telugu Americans are expressing their hopes for significant policy changes under the next U.S. administration—whether it be led by Kamala Harris or Donald Trump. Foremost on their agenda are reforms to the H-1B visa program and improvements to the Green Card application process.
One Indian-American professional highlighted specific concerns, especially about family inclusions in visa programs: “There’s a technical issue with both H-1B visas and Green Cards. Under an H-1B, an entire family is included—the spouse and children—but in the Green Card process, each person counts towards the quota. Solving this technical issue alone could quadruple the number of Green Cards granted to Indians,” he explained. Another major issue facing the community is the presence of undocumented immigrants, he added. “The government is letting in more undocumented immigrants, providing them with housing and resources, whereas instead, they could be offered work permits to help contribute to the economy.”
Rising inflation has become another major concern for many Telugu Americans. “The prices of essential goods, which typically remain stable here, have nearly doubled in the past four years,” noted one resident. Beyond domestic policy, many feel that the U.S. should adopt a more restrained approach in foreign conflicts to avoid economic strain. “America’s involvement in global conflicts does not benefit the economy. Staying out of these conflicts would help save resources,” he added.
For Telugu Americans, cultural preservation remains another key priority. Regardless of which party comes to power, they hope the next administration will ensure the freedom to express their traditions, language, and spiritual practices in the U.S. “The importance of Telugu culture, language, and the arts should be recognized globally. We hope the administration will support and encourage artists and cultural programs,” said another Telugu-American professional.
Issues such as abortion rights also weigh heavily on the Telugu American community, with many fearing a potential ban on abortion under a Trump-led government. The community is also concerned about the impact of inflation on their everyday lives. While Telugu Americans have relatively low citizenship rates compared to other Indian sub-groups, they closely follow the election results, aware of the significant impact these policies could have on their future in the U.S.
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