NRIs in the US Speak Out Against Discrimination and Exclusion

Key Takeaways

• As of July 2025, NRIs in the US report increased workplace discrimination and social exclusion.
• EEOC shifts focus to protect American workers from hiring foreign nationals, scrutinizing visas like H-1B and L-1.
• Proposed 5% remittance tax on non-citizens could financially impact NRIs sending money to India.

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in the United States 🇺🇸 are raising their voices louder than ever against discrimination and exclusion. As of July 1, 2025, many NRIs report feeling more isolated and targeted, both at work and in their daily lives. This shift comes amid new government policies, changing attitudes, and a growing sense of unease within one of the country’s largest and most successful immigrant communities.

NRIs Face Growing Discrimination and Exclusion

In recent months, NRIs have shared more stories about facing bias and exclusion in the United States 🇺🇸. These accounts, often posted on social media or discussed in community forums, describe a range of experiences:

• Workplace discrimination: Some NRIs say they are asked not to speak in meetings because of their accent. Others report being left out of workplace events, especially when their cultural or dietary needs—like vegetarian food—are ignored.
• Social exclusion: Many NRIs feel unwelcome in social settings, sometimes due to subtle comments or a lack of understanding about Indian culture.
• Legal anxiety: Reports of forced deportations and arrests have increased fear among NRIs, making them feel less secure in a country they once saw as open and fair.

These experiences have led to disappointment and a sense of alienation for many Indian professionals and families living in the United States 🇺🇸.

New Policies Heighten Concerns

EEOC Policy Shift: Focus on “Anti-American” Discrimination

In early 2025, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), led by Acting Chair Andrea Lucas, announced a major change in its approach. The agency is now focusing on protecting American workers from what it calls “anti-American national origin discrimination.” This means the EEOC is looking closely at companies that might be favoring foreign workers—including NRIs—over U.S. citizens.

Industries with many immigrant workers, such as technology, healthcare, and hospitality, are under special scrutiny. Employers are being warned not to show any preference for hiring foreign nationals, including those on H-1B and L-1 visas. According to Lucas, “The EEOC is here to protect all workers from unlawful national origin discrimination, including American workers.”

This is a big change from the EEOC’s previous focus, which was more about protecting immigrant workers from discrimination. Now, the agency is watching for signs that companies might be giving jobs to NRIs or other immigrants instead of Americans.

Proposed Remittance Tax: Financial Pressure on NRIs

Another major development is the proposed 5% excise tax on remittance transfers by non-citizens. This bill, introduced by President Trump’s administration in May 2025, would apply to anyone who is not a U.S. citizen, including H-1B, L-1, and F-1 visa holders, as well as green card holders. U.S. citizens and nationals would not have to pay this tax.

The proposal is part of what the administration calls “The One, Big, Beautiful Bill.” Many Indian professionals are worried that this tax targets them unfairly and could be a form of financial discrimination. If passed, the tax would reduce the amount of money NRIs can send to their families in India 🇮🇳, making it harder for them to support loved ones or invest back home.

Tax experts and advocacy groups warn that this measure could set a dangerous precedent, making it easier for future laws to target non-citizens financially. The bill is still being debated in Congress, and its future is uncertain.

The Indian American Community: Numbers and Achievements

The Indian American community, which includes NRIs, is now estimated to be over 4.2 million people as of 2025. This group is one of the fastest-growing and most economically successful immigrant communities in the United States 🇺🇸.

• Workforce presence: Indian professionals are highly visible in technology, healthcare, and academia.
• Economic impact: Many NRIs hold high-paying jobs, start businesses, and contribute to the U.S. economy in many ways.

Despite these achievements, recent policy changes have led to more scrutiny of their employment and visa status. Many NRIs now feel that their hard work and success are being overshadowed by suspicion and new barriers.

Stakeholders Respond: Voices and Warnings

EEOC and Government Officials

The EEOC, under Andrea Lucas, is leading the new enforcement push. The agency says its goal is to protect American workers and ensure fair competition for jobs. However, this shift has made many NRIs feel singled out and less welcome.

Indian Diaspora Organizations

Community groups and leaders are speaking out about the impact of these changes. They warn that the new policies are having a “chilling effect” on NRIs’ sense of belonging and security. Many are calling for more support and understanding from both the U.S. government and employers.

Tax and Immigration Experts

Experts in tax and immigration law say the proposed remittance tax could be a form of financial discrimination. They point out that it would hit Indian families especially hard, since many NRIs regularly send money home to support relatives or invest in India 🇮🇳.

Real-World Effects: How Policies Impact NRIs

Workplace Discrimination

NRIs are reporting more incidents of bias at work. Some examples include:

• Being told not to speak in meetings because of their accent
• Exclusion from team lunches or events due to a lack of vegetarian food options
• Subtle comments or jokes about Indian culture or customs

These experiences can make NRIs feel isolated and undervalued, even when they are highly skilled and contribute a lot to their companies.

Legal Risks for Employers

Employers are now under pressure to avoid any appearance of bias—either against Americans or immigrants. Companies are being advised to:

• Audit hiring and promotion policies to check for hidden bias
• Ensure equal access to benefits and workplace resources for all employees, no matter their immigration status
• Provide reasonable accommodations for cultural and dietary needs

Failing to do so could lead to lawsuits or investigations by the EEOC.

Financial Impact of the Remittance Tax

If the proposed 5% remittance tax becomes law, NRIs will have less money to send home. This could:

• Make it harder for them to support family members in India 🇮🇳
• Discourage skilled workers from coming to the United States 🇺🇸
• Reduce cross-border investment between the two countries

Many NRIs see this as another sign that they are being treated unfairly compared to U.S. citizens.

Legal Protections and What NRIs Can Do

Filing Complaints and Seeking Help

It is illegal to discriminate against someone in employment based on their national origin or immigration status, except where required by federal law. For example, the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) protects workers from this kind of discrimination. If an NRI faces bias at work, they can:

• File a complaint with the EEOC or a local human rights agency
• Document incidents of discrimination, including dates, times, and details
• Seek support from community organizations or legal counsel

The EEOC provides resources and a complaint process on its official website.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers should take steps to create a fair and welcoming workplace for everyone. This includes:

• Reviewing hiring and promotion practices for bias
• Offering diversity and sensitivity training
• Making sure all employees have equal access to benefits and resources
• Providing accommodations for cultural and dietary needs

By doing so, companies can avoid legal trouble and help all workers feel valued.

Community Voices: Stories and Social Media

Many NRIs say the United States 🇺🇸 feels less welcoming than before. Social media has become a powerful tool for sharing stories and raising awareness about discrimination. These conversations are helping to spark broader discussions about respect, diversity, and inclusion.

Some NRIs say they are thinking about leaving the United States 🇺🇸 or advising friends and family not to move here. Others are working with advocacy groups to push for better policies and more understanding.

Policy Analysts and Government Perspective

Some policy experts warn that the new focus on protecting American workers could lead to more xenophobia—fear or dislike of foreigners. They say this could make the United States 🇺🇸 less attractive to talented people from around the world, especially from India 🇮🇳.

Government officials, on the other hand, say the new policies are needed to make sure Americans have a fair chance at jobs and to protect the country’s interests.

Historical Context: Indian Americans in the United States 🇺🇸

Indian Americans have a long history of success in the United States 🇺🇸. They have excelled in education, started businesses, and become leaders in many fields. However, discrimination—both open and hidden—has always been a challenge.

Recent policy changes have brought these issues into the spotlight, making it clear that more work is needed to ensure fairness and inclusion for everyone.

What’s Next? Future Outlook for NRIs

Remittance Tax: Still Uncertain

As of July 1, 2025, the fate of the proposed remittance tax is still up in the air. Advocacy groups are working hard to stop it, arguing that it is unfair and could hurt relations between the United States 🇺🇸 and India 🇮🇳.

EEOC Enforcement: More Scrutiny Ahead

The EEOC is expected to continue—and possibly increase—its scrutiny of hiring practices in industries with many NRIs. This could lead to more lawsuits and investigations in the coming months.

Community Advocacy: Pushing for Change

Indian diaspora organizations are stepping up their efforts to document discrimination and push for more inclusive policies. They are working at both the federal and state levels to make sure NRIs’ voices are heard.

Practical Steps for NRIs, Employers, and Policymakers

For NRIs facing discrimination or exclusion:
– Document every incident of bias or exclusion
– Seek support from community groups and legal experts
– File complaints with the EEOC or local human rights agencies if needed

For employers:
– Audit hiring and workplace practices to check for bias
– Provide diversity and sensitivity training
– Ensure compliance with all anti-discrimination laws

For policymakers and advocates:
– Monitor the impact of new policies on immigrant communities
– Promote open dialogue to address concerns and prevent exclusion

Key Contacts and Resources

• EEOC: For discrimination complaints, call 1-800-669-4000 or visit eeoc.gov
• NYC Commission on Human Rights: For local protections, call 212-416-0197 or visit nyc.gov/cchr
• Indian Embassy in Washington, DC: For consular support, call 202-939-7000

Summary Table: Key Issues and Developments for NRIs in the US (2025)

Conclusion: A Community at a Crossroads

The situation for NRIs in the United States 🇺🇸 is changing quickly. New policies and attitudes are making many feel less welcome and more at risk of discrimination. At the same time, advocacy groups and community leaders are working hard to protect NRIs’ rights and push for fair treatment.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the coming months will be critical for NRIs, employers, and policymakers alike. The choices made now will shape the future of one of America’s most successful immigrant communities—and the country’s reputation as a place of opportunity for all.

For more information about your rights and how to file a discrimination complaint, visit the official EEOC website. Stay informed, stay connected, and remember that support is available for those who need it.

Learn Today

NRI → Non-Resident Indian, an Indian citizen or person of Indian origin living outside India.
EEOC → Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, a US agency enforcing anti-discrimination laws in workplaces.
Remittance Tax → A proposed 5% excise tax on money sent by non-citizens from the US to other countries.
H-1B Visa → A US visa allowing skilled foreign workers to be employed temporarily in specialty occupations.
L-1 Visa → A US visa for intracompany transferees to work in managerial or specialized knowledge roles.

This Article in a Nutshell

NRIs in the US face rising discrimination amid policy changes. New EEOC focus and proposed remittance tax raise concerns. Despite economic success, many feel isolated socially and professionally, prompting stronger community advocacy and legal action to protect rights amid uncertain futures.
— By VisaVerge.com