America’s biggest economic asset: What an average Indian immigrant can save the US govt over lifetime | Explained

New Delhi: Students await their turn for visa interview during the annual Student Visa Day event, at the US Embassy in New Delhi on June 13, 2024. (PTI Photo/Kunal Dutt)

According to a recent study by the Manhattan Institute, Indian immigrants are the most economically beneficial immigrant group to the United States. The study, conducted by Daniel Di Martino, estimates that the average Indian immigrant and their descendants will save the federal government $1.7 million over 30 years.

This figure surpasses that of other immigrant groups, such as Chinese immigrants, who reduce the debt by over $800,000, and Filipino immigrants, who reduce it by over $600,000. Colombians and Venezuelans contribute reductions of $500,000 and $400,000, respectively.

Crazy people on X are bashing Indian immigrants, but my new research published today finds that Indians are the best major country of origin group of immigrants.

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The average Indian immigrant and his or her descendants will save the federal government $1.7 million over 30 years. pic.twitter.com/I8YdTBtBvU

— Daniel Di Martino 🇺🇸🇻🇪 (@DanielDiMartino) October 23, 2025

These findings are significant, especially in light of recent policy changes that have narrowed the avenues for skilled migrants, including those entering the U.S. on H-1B visas. The study suggests that reforms aimed at removing caps on employment-based visas based on the country of origin and extending work visas to spouses and children above the age of 15 could add over a million people to the US workforce without increasing the overall number of immigrants.

Additionally, the report recommends auctioning EB-5 green cards and allocating H-1B visas based on the salaries employers offer, adjusted for local cost of living and the applicant's age.

Implementing these policy suggestions could not only increase the US workforce but also enhance the country's economic growth by attracting highly skilled immigrants who contribute positively to the federal budget. The study underscores the importance of policies that recognise the economic contributions of skilled immigrants and aim to retain and attract them to the US.

Indian immigrants play a crucial role in strengthening the US economy. Their positive fiscal impact highlights the need for immigration policies that support the entry and retention of skilled workers, ensuring continued economic prosperity for the nation.