Trump Effect: Indian Students in the US Quitting Part-Time Jobs
Indian students in the United States pursuing higher education are reportedly giving up part-time jobs due to fears of immigration law enforcement under Donald Trump’s policies. These students, many of whom rely on part-time jobs to cover monthly expenses, have expressed concerns about being deported if found violating immigration regulations.
“Our parents took loans to send us here for higher education, and we take up small jobs to avoid adding to their burden,” said a student currently pursuing a master’s degree in the US. “Without working part-time after classes, it’s difficult to survive here.”
It has been noted that a significant number of Indian students pursuing master’s degrees in the US engage in part-time jobs to make ends meet. However, working off-campus is considered a violation of immigration laws for those on a student visa. These laws permit students to work for up to 20 hours per week within their university campus (on-campus jobs) only.
Due to the limited availability of on-campus jobs, many students seek unauthorized employment in places like restaurants and gas stations. However, immigration officials have intensified their monitoring under stricter policies introduced by Donald Trump, making students increasingly anxious about deportation risks. If caught working illegally, students face the cancellation of their visas and deportation to India, with slim chances of returning to the US as students.
One Indian student shared their concerns, saying, “It costs about $50,000 (over ₹42 lakh) to pursue higher education here. If our visa is canceled and we are sent back, there’s no way to repay the loans.”
Since Donald Trump’s presidency began, his administration has implemented changes to immigration policies, focusing on identifying and deporting undocumented workers. The heightened enforcement has had a significant impact on international students, particularly those from India.
Fear of immigration raids has prompted many Indian students to quit their part-time jobs and take preventive measures to avoid jeopardizing their student status.
“Our parents took loans to send us here for higher education, and we take up small jobs to avoid adding to their burden,” said a student currently pursuing a master’s degree in the US. “Without working part-time after classes, it’s difficult to survive here.”
It has been noted that a significant number of Indian students pursuing master’s degrees in the US engage in part-time jobs to make ends meet. However, working off-campus is considered a violation of immigration laws for those on a student visa. These laws permit students to work for up to 20 hours per week within their university campus (on-campus jobs) only.
Due to the limited availability of on-campus jobs, many students seek unauthorized employment in places like restaurants and gas stations. However, immigration officials have intensified their monitoring under stricter policies introduced by Donald Trump, making students increasingly anxious about deportation risks. If caught working illegally, students face the cancellation of their visas and deportation to India, with slim chances of returning to the US as students.
One Indian student shared their concerns, saying, “It costs about $50,000 (over ₹42 lakh) to pursue higher education here. If our visa is canceled and we are sent back, there’s no way to repay the loans.”
Since Donald Trump’s presidency began, his administration has implemented changes to immigration policies, focusing on identifying and deporting undocumented workers. The heightened enforcement has had a significant impact on international students, particularly those from India.
Fear of immigration raids has prompted many Indian students to quit their part-time jobs and take preventive measures to avoid jeopardizing their student status.