Following President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025, a huge number of Indian students in the United States found themselves at a crossroads, compelled to leave the part-time jobs that had been their financial lifeline. These students, who were toiling hard following college hours to manage living costs, now encounter the harsh reality of deportation risk due to escalating immigration restrictions. With significant student loans to repay and an uncertain future in the US, the cost of continuing their work became too high. They are increasingly stepping away from part-time work, driven by a complex interplay of factors reshaping their approach to education and financial stability. Can Indian students still thrive in the land of opportunity amidst the growing apprehension? Read on to figure out.
Stricter immigration policies and the risk of deportation
International students on F-1 visas are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week in on-campus jobs. However, the scarcity of these roles often pushes students toward off-campus, undocumented employment in places like restaurants, retail stores, or gas stations. Recent policy changes and stricter enforcement of visa regulations have made such work a risky endeavor, leaving students vulnerable to potential deportation.
TNN quoted Arjun (name changed due to privacy concerns) a graduate student at a university in Illinois saying, “I used to work in a small café after my college hours to cover my monthly expenses. I earned $7 per hour and worked six hours every day. Though it was a comfortable arrangement, I quit last week after hearing that immigration authorities might crack down on unauthorised work.”
Limited On-Campus Job Opportunities
While on-campus employment is legal and safe, the number of available positions often falls short of demand. The competition for these roles is intense, and not every university offers adequate opportunities to meet the needs of its international students. This shortfall leaves many students struggling to find alternative ways to support themselves financially.
Consequences of abandoning part-time jobs
The decision to step away from part-time employment carries broad implications, impacting students’ financial stability, academic focus, and emotional well-being.
Rising living costs
The escalating cost of living in US cities, particularly metropolitan hubs, has further strained students’ budgets. For many, part-time jobs once provided a crucial lifeline for covering essentials like rent, groceries, and utilities. With fewer students willing to take on such jobs due to the risks involved, financial pressures have mounted significantly.
Increased dependency on family and scholarships
Many students now rely heavily on family support or university scholarships to fund their education. Families are making significant financial sacrifices, while scholarships—where available—help alleviate some of the financial burden.
However, not all students have access to such support systems. For those without substantial backing, the absence of a stable income from part-time work poses a serious challenge.
TNN quoted Rohan Srikanth (name changed due to privacy concerns) saying, “I have 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.”
Rohan mentioned that he feels uneasy asking his parents for assistance since they are already under a lot of pressure.
“I feel guilty asking them for money. But maybe I have to do that soon, as I see no other option right now,” he further added.
Emotional and academic pressures
The lack of financial independence and the fear of being unable to meet expenses add to students’ stress, compounding academic and emotional challenges. The uncertainty has also heightened mental health concerns, with many universities stepping up outreach through counseling services.
TNN quoted Neha (name changed due to privacy concerns), a Master’s degree student in New York, saying, “We’ve heard rumours of workplace inspections, and my friends and I decided it’s not worth the risk. My parents sacrificed so much for me to be here—I can’t let them down.”
Shift towards long-term career planning
Despite the challenges, some students are using this time to focus on building their careers. By prioritizing internships, research projects, and professional networking, they hope to gain industry experience that will strengthen their job prospects post-graduation.
“I’ve shifted my focus to internships,” said Arjun. “While they don’t pay much, they offer valuable experience that could help me secure a well-paying job in the future.”
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