The newly sworn-in Donald Trump administration’s aggressive stance on immigration has caused waves of anxiety among international students in the United States, especially those hailing from India. Many Indian students in the US, who rely heavily on part-time jobs to support themselves, are now quitting these jobs amid fears of deportation and stricter visa enforcement.
The uncertainty began escalating after President Trump, in his second term, introduced a series of executive orders aimed at bolstering border security and curbing illegal immigration. While the measures primarily target undocumented immigrants, the ripple effects have reached international students on F-1 visas, who are allowed to work only under strict conditions. For many, the line between compliance and violation is a thin and daunting one.
Indian Students: Fear Overrides Necessity
Indian students in the US depend on part-time work to meet living expenses. Although F-1 visa holders can legally work up to 20 hours a week on-campus, the limited availability of such jobs often pushes students to take up off-campus employment in restaurants, gas stations, and retail stores. However, the heightened focus on immigration enforcement has made such arrangements too risky.
Arjun, a graduate student in Illinois, shared his predicament. “I used to work at a small cafe after college to cover my monthly expenses,” he told a reporter. “I earned $7 per hour and worked six hours a day. It was manageable, but I quit last week after hearing about possible immigration enforcement on unauthorized work. I can’t take that chance, especially after borrowing $50,000 (about ₹42.5 lakh) to study here.”
Neha, a master’s student in New York, echoed his concerns. “My friends and I decided to stop working for now. It’s tough, but we don’t want to risk deportation or losing our student visa status. My parents have sacrificed so much to send me here.”
Both Arjun and Neha are now relying on loans and money borrowed from family, further straining their already precarious finances.
Indian Students Emotional Toll and Future Concerns
The crackdown on immigration has not only impacted the financial stability of Indian students in the US but also taken a toll on their emotional well-being. The constant stress of potential visa issues, deportation, and financial instability has left many feeling vulnerable and anxious.
Moreover, the recent statement by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has added a layer of uncertainty. Jaishankar announced that India would accept undocumented Indian nationals deported from the US, provided their Indian origin is verified. While the statement aims to address broader immigration concerns, it has inadvertently intensified fears among students about their long-term prospects in the US.
Balancing Dreams and Survival
For thousands of Indian students, studying in the US is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, often backed by their families’ significant financial and emotional sacrifices. However, the tightening grip of immigration policies under Trump’s administration has created an environment where survival and safety take precedence over ambition.
The question now is whether these students can navigate this challenging landscape without losing sight of their dreams. Many hope for clearer policies and stronger advocacy for international students to ease the tension between the need for financial independence and the fear of immigration enforcement.
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