Fear of attacks, uncertain future grip Indian students in US amid H-1B rhetoric

New Delhi,UPDATED: Feb 4, 2025 09:16 IST

A good degree, followed by multiple job offers and a great life ahead. This is the dream of many Indians who go to the US on F-1 study visas. Though Indian students in the US don't face any imminent risk of deportation, still, there is fear in their minds for multiple reasons. With Trump 2.0 and its stringent policies on immigration and work visas, several Indians studying at US universities told India Today Digital that the future looked uncertain to them. Donald Trump's anti-immigration and hire-local campaign issues and his MAGA crowd's anti-H-1B stance are making the Indian students anxious.

From uncomfortable stares, neo-Nazi processions to anti-immigrant sentiments, the students recounted to India Today Digital what had changed on American university campuses in the last six months. This, coupled with the anxiety over jobs after graduation amid anti-H-1B rhetoric, has left Indian students in the US worried.

The sense of unease is even more acute for those who are self-funding their education, as they navigate the changed environment with their jobs and academic work.

There is a large number of Indians studying in the US.

In 2024, India became the top source country of international students to the US, with over 331,000 Indian students enroled in its universities and colleges.

While the opportunities seem abundant, many now face an uncertain future.

The H-1B visa debate, which has dominated the social media and immigration discourse, has only added fuel to the fire. At the crux of this debate is the high numbers of Indians working in the US.

In 2023, Indians obtained 72.3% of the 386,000 H-1B visas issued in the US, and in 2022, this number was 77%.

Alongside this, US President Donald Trump’s "America First" agenda has amplified resentment against foreign workers, further fuelling fears amongst Indian students.

INDIAN STUDENTS ARE WORRIED ABOUT THEIR FUTURE IN THE US

Students are particularly anxious about the evolving visa policies, especially the status of work permits which they will rely on after graduating.

India Today Digital spoke to students on American campuses across the US to understand their fears and concerns.

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

Another student, a PhD scholar at the University of Texas, who did not want to be named, added that the lack of clarity about visa renewals had intensified worries among students.

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

Despite these concerns, students who are already on campus feel somewhat secure for now because there is no immediate threat of them being sent back 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 the University of Texas student.

Those still in the application process, particularly those with uncertain visa statuses, face greater challenges.

"However, most of us who already have visas and i20 forms from our university feel confident that they can not arbitrarily cancel these. Instead, it is the students applying this year who are more worried about an increased rejection rate when they apply for visas even after getting admission," added Avijit.

For some students, the growing political climate and rising racism have made their everyday experiences more difficult.

STARES, NEO-NAZI PROTESTS, FEAR OF RACIAL ATTACKS?

"I've personally faced more looks or 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."

Trump signed an executive order that has the provision to cancel visas of "pro-Hamas sympathisers". US universities witnessed pro-Hamas activism and encampments after Israel carpet-bombed Gaza, following the barbaric October 7 attacks.

"What does this mean: all students who attended the protests will be sent back? Many attended it. I did not attend it, but how will they pick who they deport? What will come next? Many Americans also attended the protests. What about them?", said Aisha.

Even the university campus is not all free from prejudices.

"My campus is safe for now. However, there was an incident where neo-Nazis took out a march in November last year. With rising racism towards Indians (due to both H-1B and illegal immigration rhetoric), one cannot write off the possibility of a racial attack on non-white individuals. Thankfully, no such incident has happened until now," said Avijit.

The situation is particularly harsh for self-funding students.

"Students working part-time jobs in fast-food joints or shops face unsafe environments and may encounter racist attacks," Avijit said.

These students, who rely on low-wage jobs to support their education, are vulnerable to both financial and physical risks as they often work late-night shifts or interact with people in hostile environments.

Aisha also pointed out that students in non-STEM fields are especially at risk.

"Those on F1 visas in non-STEM areas or who depend on OPT (Optional Practical Training) are more vulnerable if work authorisation policies tighten now," she explained.

Though Indian students do not face any imminent threat from Trump 2.0, the anti-immigrant and H-1B rhetoric has gone on to add to the anxieties of Indian students on American campuses. They are talking about an uncertain future and a risk to safety even as they navigate the new and complex realities of their race and nationality in the US.