Indian Students in the US: Navigating Uncertainty and Financial Challenges

US Education No Longer the Ultimate Dream? Indian Students Seek Alternatives

For years, the US has been seen by Indian students as the ultimate destination for top-tier education, career opportunities, and a brighter future. However, recent deportations under the Trump administration, coupled with stricter immigration policies, have created uncertainty and financial strain, leading many students to question whether the dream of studying in the US is still worth pursuing.

Indian students in the US are increasingly worried about random checks by "officers in uniform," who often ask for student IDs or work authorization documents, adding to their stress. While F-1 visa holders are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week on-campus, many exceed this limit to cover living expenses and pay off loans by taking off-campus jobs. As random checks rise, the fear of deportation has intensified. One graduate student from Illinois shared that he quit his café job after hearing about potential crackdowns, citing concerns over his $50,000 loan. Some students have reported being questioned by local police or interrogated by ICE and USBP agents. One student, working at a restaurant in Atlanta, shared that officers questioned staff and asked for his college ID.

Fortunately, he had just been in the restroom, and his employer backed up his account. However, the experience was so terrifying that he quit his job the next day, which he had taken to fund his education. According to the Indian Student Mobility Report 2024, the total expenditure by Indian students in the US—$8.3 billion in 2019—is expected to rise to $17.4 billion by 2025. Another student, enrolled at Arizona State University, expressed concerns about the constant presence of ICE agents, fearing deportation if caught working off-campus. Meanwhile, many Indian graduates are struggling to secure jobs due to stricter visa sponsorship rules under Trump's "America First" policy. Sai Aparna, a computer science graduate, explained that the focus on localization has made it much harder to obtain visa sponsorships and find jobs. Before Trump’s presidency, Indian H-1B visa holders were already avoiding travel outside the US for fear of not being able to re-enter due to changing visa rules.

Trump's advisers, including Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, have supported high-skill immigration, but Trump has expressed conflicting views on the H-1B program. While he stated at a 2024 New Year’s Eve party that the US needs "smart people" coming in, he had previously criticized the program in a 2016 Republican debate, calling it "very, very bad for workers." The H-1B visa, which allows skilled foreign workers with at least a bachelor’s degree to work temporarily in the US, is often seen as a pathway to permanent residency, with Indian professionals being major beneficiaries.

Experts are advising students to avoid unauthorized work, as scrutiny of immigration status is expected to increase. Ravi Lothumalla, a Texas-based university admissions expert, emphasized that managing expenses should not jeopardize education or legal status in the US. With rising concerns, many middle-class families are now reconsidering sending their children to the US for higher education. Raj Nunna, founder of Unilix Overseas, noted a 40% drop in US study inquiries, with students increasingly looking to European countries like the UK, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and France as alternatives. These shifting trends highlight the growing uncertainty surrounding the once-dreamed-of-American opportunity, leaving many students to wonder if the risks now outweigh the potential rewards. In light of rising uncertainties and stricter policies, many students are rethinking whether the American dream is still worth pursuing.

Editor's Note:

The growing concerns among Indian students and their families regarding the American dream cannot be overlooked. For years, the United States has been viewed as the premier destination for quality education and career opportunities. However, recent deportations, stricter immigration policies, and escalating financial challenges have cast doubt on this once-coveted aspiration. Indian students in the US now face heightened anxiety due to random checks, police questioning, and the looming threat of deportation. Despite being allowed to work up to 20 hours a week on campus, many exceed this limit to cover living expenses and repay loans, intensifying their fears of legal consequences. The tightening of visa sponsorship rules under the "America First" policy has further complicated job prospects for Indian graduates.

Although some of Trump's advisers, such as Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, advocate for high-skill immigration, conflicting statements on the H-1B program have contributed to uncertainty among Indian professionals. This growing apprehension has led many middle-class families to reconsider sending their children to the US for higher education, with a notable 40% drop in US study inquiries. Students are increasingly turning to European alternatives, signalling a shift away from the American dream.

According to Skoobuzz, it is crucial for students and families to carefully assess the pros and cons of pursuing education in the US. While the US still offers world-class institutions and career prospects, the mounting financial and emotional toll warrants a thoughtful reevaluation of available options.