As of recent estimates, the Indian-origin population in the United States stands at approximately 4.9 million. This figure includes both those who have migrated from India and their U.S.-born descendants. A significant portion of this population consists of legal immigrants—over 2.1 million are naturalised U.S. citizens, while around 700,000 hold green cards as lawful permanent residents. In addition, more than 700,000 Indians are in the U.S. on temporary visas, primarily as skilled workers (such as those on H-1B visas) or as international students (on F-1 visas), contributing greatly to the American technology, education, and healthcare sectors.
However, the undocumented or unauthorised segment of the Indian-origin population is also notable, though relatively smaller in comparison. Current estimates suggest that between 250,000 to 300,000 Indians are residing in the U.S. without legal immigration status. Most of these cases involve visa overstays rather than illegal border crossings, and India is among the top countries in the world for visa overstay rates in the U.S.
Adding to this population are U.S.-born children of Indian immigrants, who number over 1 million and are American citizens by birth. The Indian-American community has grown steadily over the decades and now represents one of the most educated and economically successful immigrant groups in the country, while also facing challenges such as long green card backlogs and immigration reform issues.