The effects of Trump’s crackdown on immigration are felt among the Indian students. The new rules have forced many to quit their part-time jobs, seriously jeopardizing their survival.
Indians on F-1 visas are limited to on-campus jobs, which are barely enough to make ends meet. Earlier, many students were given some leniency to allow them to do part-time work, but in the new regime, this can become a reason for deportation.
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While US Universities offer premium education with high fees, they still fail to allow safe, legal work. Most students are now relying on family or scholarships, but not everyone has that option.
“I feel bad asking my parents for help. They’ve already done so much.” an Indian-origin student told the media.
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Rent, food, bills, and other expenses are increasing every day in the US and it is almost impossible for students coming from middle-class families to cope in these trying times.
It is taking a mental toll on students as many feel stressed, scared, and guilty for not meeting expectations. Meanwhile, some fortunate ones are looking for internships and building careers in a competitive job market.
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In the end, on-campus jobs are limited and currently, there is no help from the government on that front. It is disheartening to see after the Indian community’s contribution to the US economy and politics, they are getting sidelined like this.
