US President Donald Trump 2.0's immigration policies fuel fears among Indian students

Indian students in the US are anxious for a variety of reasons, even though they are not in immediate danger of deportation.

Several students at US universities expressed uncertainty about the future due to Trump 2.0’s strict immigration and work visa policies.

Concerns stem from Donald Trump’s anti-immigration stance, his "hire-local" campaign, and the anti-H-1B sentiment of his Make America Great Again (MAGA) supporters.

For those funding their own education, the anxiety is even greater as they juggle academics and careers in this challenging environment.

With over 331,000 Indian students enrolled in US institutions in 2024, India remains the largest source of international students to the US.

Despite the apparent opportunities, many now face an uncertain future.

The controversy surrounding the H-1B visa, fueled by the significant number of Indians employed in the US, has added to these worries.

Of the 386,000 H-1B visas issued in 2023, 72.3% were granted to Indians, down from 77% in 2022.

Additionally, increasing resentment toward foreign labor, fueled by President Trump's "America First" program, has amplified anxiety among Indian students.

The shifting regulations, particularly regarding post-graduation work permits, are a major source of stress for students.

“There is definitely some anxiety among students, especially after universities asked some of us to return to the US before Trump’s inauguration,” said Avijit, a PhD scholar in history at the University of Ohio.

A PhD scholar at the University of Texas anonymously stated that the uncertainty surrounding visa renewals had heightened anxiety among students.

"There is anxiety around new visas and the possibility of increased rejection rates, especially for those applying this year," she added.

Despite these concerns, students currently on campus feel relatively safe as they are not at immediate risk of being sent home.

“University of Texas, Austin is a safe place, but students are scared and cautious after the revoking of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies,” said a student from the University of Texas.

The situation is more difficult for those still applying, especially those with unclear visa status.

“However, most of us who already have visas and I-20 forms from our university feel confident that they cannot arbitrarily cancel these. Instead, it’s the students applying this year who are more worried about higher rejection rates even after securing admission,” Avijit added.

Some students also face more challenges due to escalating racism and political tensions. “I've personally faced more stares lately,” said Aisha, a master’s student at the University of California, Davis.

“It feels like the political climate has emboldened some to express prejudices more openly,” she added.

There is concern that "pro-Hamas sympathizers" may have their visas revoked under an executive order signed by Trump.

The attacks of Oct 7, which led to Israel bombing Gaza, sparked pro-Hamas protests and actions on US campuses.

“What does this mean: will all students who attended the protests be sent back? Many attended them. I did not, but how will they pick who to deport? What about the Americans who also attended?” asked Aisha.

Racial prejudices are also emerging on college campuses.

"My campus is safe for now. However, there was an incident where neo-Nazis held a march last November. With rising racism toward Indians, particularly because of the H-1B and illegal immigration rhetoric, one cannot dismiss the possibility of a racial attack on non-white individuals. Thankfully, no such incident has occurred so far,” said Avijit.

Students working part-time jobs in fast-food chains or shops face unsafe environments and may encounter racist attacks.

"Students working part-time jobs in these environments are at risk, especially since they work late-night shifts or interact with hostile people,” Avijit said.

Aisha also highlighted that students in non-STEM disciplines are particularly vulnerable.

“Those on F-1 visas in non-STEM fields or who rely on OPT (Optional Practical Training) are more vulnerable if work authorization policies tighten,” she explained.

The anti-immigrant and anti-H-1B rhetoric has further raised concerns among Indian students, even if they do not currently face immediate threats from Trump 2.0.

As they navigate the evolving and complex landscape regarding race and nationality in the US, they face an uncertain future and growing fears for their safety.