Donald Trump.
Credit: Reuters file photo.
As US President Donald Trump made his return to the White House, a significant number of Indian students studying in the US, fearing deportation, are quitting their part-time jobs. Students who have F-1 visas are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week on campus but many opt to work off campus, undocumented jobs to supplement their income.
To pay for groceries, rent, and other living expenses, many Indian students used to work in retail establishments, restaurants, or gas stations. But now they don't want to take any chances because they fear the Trump administration will tighten its immigration policies.
A graduate student at a university in Illinois speaking to The Times of India said, "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." He went on to say, "Though it was a comfortable arrangement, I quit last week after hearing that immigration authorities might crack down on unauthorised work. I can't take any chances, especially after borrowing $50,000 (Rs 42.5 lakh approx) to study here."
A master's student in New York, having voicing concerns said, "We've heard talk about random checks at workplaces. So, my friends and I have decided to stop working for now. It's hard, but we don't want to risk deportation or loosing our student visa status. My parents have already sacrificed too much to send me here." This student was working at a restaurant for $8 an hour.
The students said they would decide whether to return to work or not after assessing the situation for a few months. Until then they are banking on their savings and borrowing money from their friends and families back home to make ends meet.
A computer science student in Texas said, "I have already used up most of my savings and have started borrowing small amounts from my roommates. I don't know how long I can go on like this." Since his parents have already spent a large amount, he is not comfortable asking them for help. "I feel guilty asking them for money. But maybe I have to do that soon, as I see no other option right now," the report quoted him as saying.
The uncertainty and financial pressure are also affecting students’ mental health, with many grappling with anxiety and stress as they navigate the challenge of making ends meet without part-time jobs.
On the other hand, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Wednesday, India has always been open to the legitimate return of undocumented Indians to their country. He also noted that New Delhi is still in the process of verifying those from the US who can be deported to India and the number of such individuals cannot be determined yet.