Indian Students in the U.S. Quit Part-Time Jobs Amid New Immigration Rules
Indian students pursuing higher education in the United States are increasingly giving up part-time jobs, citing concerns over their future amidst stricter immigration enforcement. Despite the necessity of part-time jobs to cover living expenses, many students are unwilling to take risks under the current administration's stringent regulations.
On January 20, Donald Trump was sworn in as the President of the United States. Following his inauguration, the administration announced tougher measures for immigrants and stricter enforcement of existing rules. Under the regulations, students on F-1 visas are allowed to work only 20 hours per week on-campus. However, a significant number of students have been taking up off-campus jobs in restaurants, gas stations, and retail stores to manage their expenses.
These jobs, often unauthorized, have now become a liability for many students. Arjun, a student in Illinois, shared his experience: "To cover my monthly expenses, I used to work at a small café after college hours, earning $7 per hour for six hours a day. While it was manageable for me, immigration officials are now cracking down on unauthorized employment. I quit my job last week, deciding not to take any chances. Even though I’ve taken a $50,000 (approximately ₹42 lakh) loan to study here, I had no choice but to leave the job to secure my future."
Arjun’s situation reflects the broader struggles faced by thousands of Indian students in the U.S. Neha, a Master’s student in New York, echoed similar sentiments. She stated, "I decided to put a full stop to my part-time job because I don’t want to take any risks. My parents made significant sacrifices to send me here, and I can’t afford to jeopardize my visa status or face deportation."
These decisions are leaving students emotionally distressed, as they grapple with financial pressures and an uncertain future in a foreign land.
