As the Trump administration tightens its grip on immigration policies, a quiet yet significant shift is taking place among Indian students in the United States. They’re walking away from their part-time jobs – jobs they’ve long relied on to survive in the expensive and often unforgiving environment of US universities. But this isn't just about convenience or work-life balance; it's a matter of survival. These students are fighting to protect their future, a future they've risked everything for, including sinking into crippling debt just to secure a spot in a prestigious American institution.
The Trump Factor: Fear of Deportation Looms Large
Under the looming shadow of President Donald Trump's aggressive immigration enforcement, these students are suddenly left in a precarious position. Immigration rules are tightening. Deportation fears are rising. While international students are legally allowed to work part-time on-campus for up to 20 hours per week on an F-1 visa, many go beyond the letter of the law by picking up off-campus gigs in restaurants, gas stations, or retail stores. These jobs are a lifeline for students, offering much-needed cash to cover rent, food, and tuition-related expenses. But with rumors of random checks at workplaces and the possibility of crackdowns on unauthorized work, Indian students are opting out. The risk is no longer worth it.
The Real Struggle: Debt, Mental Health, and Fear
Take Arjun, a graduate student from Illinois, for example. He’s been working at a small café, pulling in $7 an hour and clocking in six hours every day just to make ends meet. It was a comfortable arrangement—until now. “I can’t take any chances,” Arjun admits. With a $50,000 debt hanging over his head (about ₹42.5 lakh), the thought of losing his visa or being deported is enough to make him quit. It's a decision many students like Arjun are forced to make, even when it means living without the cushion of a regular income.
Similarly, Neha, a Master's student in New York, and her friends are feeling the heat. “We’ve heard talk about random checks at workplaces,” she says. “My parents have already sacrificed too much to send me here, and I can’t risk losing everything because of some bureaucratic crackdowns.” So, like many others, Neha and her peers have decided to pause their part-time jobs, relying on savings and occasional loans from friends and family to make it through.
But as Rohan, another student, points out, savings won’t last forever. "I’ve already used up most of my savings and have started borrowing small amounts from my roommate. I don’t know how long I can go on like this," he admits. The fear of falling into financial ruin is palpable, and the emotional toll of juggling both financial instability and the pressure of academic expectations is starting to wear on students.
A Broken System?
While the students' concerns are valid, what’s more worrying is the mental health impact. The combination of financial strain, uncertainty about the future, and the looming threat of deportation is creating an emotional storm. Stress levels are through the roof, and it’s only a matter of time before this spills over into long-term health issues.
At the same time, the Indian government has been forced to face the reality of the growing number of undocumented Indian nationals in the US. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has acknowledged the situation, confirming that India will take back its citizens at risk of deportation. Yet, as Jaishankar puts it, the issue isn’t just about numbers; it’s about verifying the origin of these individuals, a logistical nightmare that adds more layers to an already complex situation.
What's Next for Indian Students in the US?
As this drama unfolds, the fate of many Indian students hangs in the balance. For now, they’re treading carefully. The hope of returning to part-time jobs hangs on the evolving immigration policies. But until those policies change, or at least become clearer, students will continue to walk a fine line between survival and safety. And as the financial burdens mount, many may soon find themselves turning to family back home, reaching across the globe for help.
In conclusion, it’s not just the fear of deportation that’s eating away at these students’ futures. It’s the broader uncertainty that comes with living under a government that seems to view international students as little more than a means to an economic end. The US might be a land of opportunity for some, but for many Indian students right now, it’s a land of fear, financial strain, and shattered dreams.
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