Cost Of Living To Trump's Politics: 5 Reasons Why Indians Are Thinking Of Leaving US

Last Updated:April 23, 2026, 16:04 IST

The survey of 1,000 respondents found that 14% said they had frequently thought about leaving the US while another 26% had occasionally considered it.

A growing number of Indian-Americans are rethinking their future in the United States, with a new survey by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, conducted with YouGov, finding that nearly 40% have considered emigrating due to political, economic and social concerns.

The survey of 1,000 respondents found that 14% said they had frequently thought about leaving the US while another 26% had occasionally considered it. The findings point to rising unease within one of America’s most successful immigrant communities, which now numbers more than 5.2 million people of Indian origin.

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Here are the five biggest reasons driving that sentiment:

1. Frustration With US Politics Tops List

Politics emerged as the biggest trigger, with 58% of respondents who had considered leaving citing dissatisfaction with the American political climate. Many respondents expressed discomfort with the tone of national politics, polarization and what some described as a more exclusionary narrative around immigration and identity.

2. Rising Cost Of Living

The second biggest concern was affordability, cited by 54% of respondents considering emigration. High rents, childcare costs, healthcare expenses and inflation have made life in major US cities increasingly expensive. In top metro areas such as San Francisco, Seattle and New York, one-bedroom rents often range between $3,000 and $5,000 a month.

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3. Safety And Social Anxiety

Personal safety was cited by 41% of respondents. While there has not been a major spike in direct violence against the community, many respondents reported increased anxiety over everyday discrimination, bias in workplaces and hostility online. Some said they had changed their behaviour in public or avoided certain conversations.

4. Immigration Delays And Visa Uncertainty

For many skilled Indian professionals, the long wait for permanent residency remains a major source of frustration. Green card backlogs, visa uncertainty and years-long delays continue to affect thousands living in the US on temporary work permits. Many respondents said the lack of long-term stability is pushing families to explore other countries or even return to India.

5. Changing Political Identity, More Practical Decisions

The survey also found shifts in political affiliation among Indian-Americans. Fewer respondents now identify strongly with either major party, while around 30% describe themselves as independents.

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