Trump Immigration Policy Impact: Studying and working in America has always been a big dream for Indian students. But after Donald Trump became the President, this dream has now become a challenge. The effect of the strict immigration policy of the Trump administration is clearly visible. There has been a huge decline in the visas given to Indian students, affecting their future plans. Also, getting a job in America has now become more difficult than before. Due to this, many Indian students are now forced to look for alternatives. Indian students are turning to other countries.
According to US State Department data, visas have been issued to 64,008 Indian students from January to September 2024. This figure was 1,03495 in the year 2023, that is, there has been a decline of 38%. Experts say that this decline has come due to the strict visa policy of the Trump administration. Now it is taking more time than before for Indian students to get visas in America. In some cases, visas are also being rejected, due to which many students are confused about their higher education and career plans.
It is no longer easy for Indian students to get a job in America. American companies are now giving preference to local employees instead of foreign students. Students living in Cleveland, Ohio say that they never thought that the situation would become so difficult. Jobs are decreasing and companies are not giving any accurate assurance about visa sponsor. Due to the ‘America First’ policy of the Trump administration, many Indian students have had to leave their jobs. Their future is hanging in the balance.
Many Indian students studying in America have expressed concern about the increasing investigation by law enforcement agencies. Officials are reaching the workplace of the students and checking their ID and work authority related documents. This problem has increased especially for those students who are working on Optional Vocational Training (OPT). Many students have complained that officers are reaching their workplace without any information and are questioning them strictly. This is increasing fear among the students.
OPT i.e. Optional Vocational Training is a system that allows Indian students to work in America. It is given for one year after college. However, the Trump administration has imposed strict rules about OPT. Now students have to follow many new conditions during this period. Also, many Indian students are facing problems in getting visa despite working under OPT. This has put both their jobs and future in danger.
Due to the strict policies of the Trump administration, many Indian students are now considering studying in other countries instead of America. Countries like Canada, Australia and Germany are now becoming new options for Indian students. The visa process is easy in these countries and the job market is also better for foreign students. Experts believe that in the coming years, the number of Indian students may decline further due to America’s strict immigration policy. This may also affect the US economy.
The way Trump is moving forward with the America First policy, it seems that visa and immigration policies may become more strict. Indian students are likely to get relief only when the government changes the immigration policies. However, this is less likely. At present, it is becoming difficult for students to live and work in America. Now it has to be seen how this situation changes in the coming days.
