Indian Students in the US are Giving up Part-Time Jobs due to Fear of Deportation under Trump’s Administration
Challenges Faced by Indian Students in the United States
For many years, the United States has been a popular destination for young Indian students seeking top-notch education and promising career opportunities. However, the current immigration policies under President Donald Trump’s administration have posed significant challenges for Indian students, making the American dream more difficult to achieve.
Visa Troubles
One of the major issues faced by Indian students in the US is the increasing number of visa rejections. Data from the US State Department shows a significant decline in the issuance of F-1 student visas to Indian students. In the first nine months of 2024, only 64,008 Indian students were granted visas, a 38% drop compared to the same period in 2023. This decline has raised concerns among students about the shrinking job market and the preference for local hires under the new immigration system.
Many students have expressed their frustrations with the current situation. Sai Aparna, a student living in Cleveland, Ohio, who completed a Master’s in Information Systems in the US, has been struggling to find a job for over a year. The emphasis on localisation by the Trump administration has made it challenging for international students to secure visa sponsorships from employers, leading to a lack of job opportunities for many.
Increased Scrutiny At The Workplace
In addition to visa challenges, Indian students studying in the US have reported increased scrutiny at their workplaces. Law enforcement agencies have been visiting workplaces and demanding to see students’ IDs and work authorization documents, especially for those on Optional Practical Training (OPT). The restrictions on off-campus part-time jobs have also impacted many international students, forcing some to leave their jobs out of fear of deportation.
The experiences shared by students highlight the anxiety and uncertainty they face in the current environment. Many students, like Inampudi Prashant from Arizona State University, are worried about the constant threat of deportation and the consequences of violating the strict regulations. For students coming from less privileged backgrounds, the financial burden of studying in the US becomes even more challenging, as seen in the case of Manjusha Nuthi, a computer science graduate with a significant bank loan to repay.
Overall, the combination of visa troubles, increased scrutiny at workplaces, and uncertainty over work permits has made pursuing education and career opportunities in the US a daunting task for many Indian students. As the challenges continue to mount, students are left with difficult decisions to make about their future prospects in the country.