Several Indian students in the United States have recently made the difficult decision to quit their part-time jobs in the weeks leading up to President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. These students, who had been working odd jobs after college hours to earn extra money, are now fearing deportation under the new administration’s stricter immigration policies.
According to a report by Times of India, many Indian students in the US have been working off-campus, undocumented jobs at restaurants, petrol stations, or retail stores to manage expenses like rent, groceries, and other living costs. While US regulations permit international students on F-1 visas to work up to 20 hours a week on-campus, these students have been taking up additional jobs to make ends meet.
However, with the new administration signaling tighter enforcement and stricter immigration policies, students are now choosing to give up these jobs to safeguard their future. The fear of deportation and losing their student visa status has led many students to prioritize their safety and security over their financial needs.
One graduate student at a university in Illinois shared their experience, stating, “I used to work in a small cafe 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 unauthorized work. I can’t take any chances, especially after borrowing $50,000 to study here.”
Another student, pursuing a master’s degree in New York, expressed similar concerns, saying, “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 losing our student visa status. My parents have already sacrificed too much to send me here.”
The report also mentioned that students are planning to review the situation in a few months and then decide whether to resume working. The uncertainty surrounding immigration policies and the potential consequences of unauthorized work have created a sense of fear and insecurity among Indian students in the US.
In response to these concerns, India has expressed willingness to support the return of undocumented Indian nationals in the US. External affairs minister S Jaishankar confirmed this amid ongoing immigration discussions, highlighting the importance of addressing the challenges faced by Indian students and immigrants in the US.
Overall, the decision of Indian students to quit their part-time jobs in the US out of fear of deportation reflects the impact of changing immigration policies on the lives and livelihoods of international students. As they navigate these uncertain times, students are prioritizing their safety and legal status while grappling with the financial pressures of studying abroad.
