The Trump administration’s stringent immigration policies have created uncertainty among Indian students in the US, forcing many to cancel their plans to travel back home during holiday breaks. The fear of being denied re-entry into the US has led to a sense of unease among the Indian student community, with many opting to stay back in the country.
According to experts, the US administration’s plans to make visa and immigration laws more stringent have created a sense of uncertainty among international students, including those from India. Many Indian students are rethinking their plans to travel back home during holiday breaks, fearing that they may not be able to re-enter the US.
Riya Mehta, a master’s student at the University of Southern California, was planning to travel to India for her sister’s wedding in Jaipur. However, she dropped her plans fearing a ban on re-entry to the US. Similarly, Sameer Vyas, a PhD scholar at Purdue, canceled his trip to visit his ailing grandmother in India due to concerns about re-entry into the US.
Many colleges in the US, including Ivy League institutions like Brown, Cornell, MIT, Columbia, and Yale, have cautioned their students and staff against traveling outside the US due to the uncertainty surrounding immigration policies. Study abroad consultants in India are also advising international students to exercise caution while traveling.
The US Department of State has not imposed a ban on travel for students, but colleges are advising their international students to avoid non-essential travel. The fear is that the US administration’s enhanced vetting policies may lead to delays or rejections of F-1 visa applications, which are required for international students to study in the US.
In 2024, the US administration rejected 279,000 F-1 visa applications, or 41% of the total student applicants. This has created a sense of uncertainty among international students, who are worried about their ability to re-enter the US after traveling abroad.
Experts say that the US remains the biggest attraction for Indian students wanting to pursue higher education, especially for STEM courses. However, the uncertainty surrounding immigration policies has created a sense of unease among the Indian student community.
Many students are choosing to stay back in the US voluntarily due to personal considerations or concerns about travel uncertainties. Past patterns show that such episodes of political or health emergencies tend to generate a lot of stress and postponement of academic plans among international students.
The situation has also led to concerns among parents, who are advising their children to refrain from social or political activism, including online, amid increased scrutiny. Many parents have taken to social media platforms to share their concerns and advise students to exercise caution while traveling.
In conclusion, the uncertainty surrounding immigration policies has created a sense of unease among Indian students in the US. Many students are canceling their plans to travel back home during holiday breaks, fearing that they may not be able to re-enter the US. The situation highlights the need for clarity and transparency in immigration policies to ensure that international students can pursue their academic goals without unnecessary stress and uncertainty.
