American attitudes toward India have deteriorated significantly over the past two decades as concerns grow over immigration, foreign-worker programs and competition for white-collar jobs, according to new polling.
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A Pew Research Center survey found that 45 percent of Americans now hold a favorable view of India, while 50 percent view the country unfavorably. India’s favorable rating stood at 64% in 2008 and 51 percent in 2023.
Republicans and younger Americans are particularly skeptical. Fifty percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents view India favorably, compared with 42 percent of Republicans and Republican-leaning voters. Among Americans 65 and older, 50 percent have a favorable opinion, compared with 42 percent of adults ages 18 to 29.
The declining numbers come amid heightened scrutiny of the H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for specialized occupations. Indian nationals account for a large majority of H-1B recipients.
The declining numbers come as recent college graduates face a difficult employment market. An August report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York placed the underemployment rate for recent graduates at roughly 40 percent. For computer science graduates, the combined unemployment and underemployment rate was reported at 26 percent.
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Public skepticism of H-1B visas has also increased. An October 2025 Cygnal poll found 44 percent of likely voters believed American companies exploit the program, while 18 percent said H-1B visas are essential to U.S. competitiveness.
The issue has gained traction among Republicans who argue immigration policy should prioritize American workers.
Vice President JD Vance urged college graduates in April to press Senate candidates on eliminating the H-1B program, arguing that it is exploited by large technology companies.
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