https://educationtoday.co/blog/blog-details?id=2787&url=Indian-Students-in-the-US-Quit-Part-Time-Jobs-Amid-Deportation-Fears-The-Impact-of-Stricter-Immigration-Policies *Indian Students in the US Quit Part-Time Jobs Amid Deportation Fears: The Impact of Stricter Immigration Policies* As the United States grapples with shifting immigration policies, many Indian students who have been relying on part-time jobs to support themselves are now making a difficult choice: quit their jobs or risk jeopardizing their futures. This tough decision comes in the wake of increasing concerns about stricter immigration rules, particularly regarding off-campus work, and the potential for tighter enforcement under the new administration. For many Indian students studying in the US, part-time jobs have become essential to cover living expenses, including rent, groceries, and other costs associated with their academic journey. However, the looming threat of deportation due to unauthorized work is forcing students to reassess their options. These students, many of whom have taken out substantial loans to fund their education, are now faced with the very real fear of losing their student visas and being sent back to India. The Impact of Stricter Immigration Policies The US government’s current regulations allow international students on F-1 visas to work up to 20 hours a week on-campus during academic sessions. Off-campus work, however, is typically restricted, and many students turn to undocumented employment in local restaurants, gas stations, or retail stores to make ends meet. With the US administration signaling that it will ramp up immigration enforcement, these students now face a dilemma—continue working to survive, or risk their academic careers and future in the US. For these students, the stakes are high. Many have invested significant financial resources to study in the US, taking out hefty loans that can reach upwards of $50,000 (approximately Rs 42.5 lakh). The risk of deportation, particularly in light of increasing scrutiny of off-campus employment, has led several students to take the precautionary measure of quitting their jobs to avoid potential trouble with immigration authorities. Arjun’s Story: The Price of a Future in the US Arjun, a graduate student from India, had been working at a café in Illinois after his college hours, earning $7 per hour to cover his monthly expenses. Despite the relatively low pay, this job allowed Arjun to make ends meet and focus on his studies without burdening his family with additional financial strain. However, the fear of stricter immigration enforcement pushed Arjun to make the painful decision to quit his job. "I used to work in a small café after my college hours to cover my monthly expenses. I earned $7 per hour and worked six hours every day," Arjun shared in an interview. "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." For students like Arjun, the decision to quit their jobs is not just about financial stability; it’s about preserving their futures in the US. With the growing concerns over random checks at workplaces, students are increasingly wary of the potential consequences of working without proper authorization. Neha’s Perspective: The Fear of Losing Visa Status Neha, a master’s student in New York, echoed similar concerns. “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.” Neha, who had been working in an eatery for $8 an hour, explained that while the extra income was crucial for managing her expenses, the risk of losing her visa status simply wasn’t worth it. She, like many other international students, had relied on these jobs to cover basic living costs while balancing the demands of academic life. However, with the prospect of harsher immigration scrutiny, Neha and her friends have chosen to stop working for the time being, uncertain about the future of their employment opportunities. Rohan’s Struggle: Relying on Savings and Borrowing from Friends Rohan Srikanth, a computer science student in Texas, found himself in a similar situation. "I’ve already used up most of my savings and have started borrowing small amounts from my roommate. I don’t know how long I can go on like this," Rohan explained. Rohan is one of many students who are struggling to stay afloat without part-time employment. While he had initially relied on his savings, the mounting financial pressure has made it increasingly difficult to manage his day-to-day expenses. Borrowing money from friends and family back home has become a temporary solution, but it is not sustainable in the long term. “I feel guilty asking my parents for help,” Rohan confessed. “They’re already stretched thin, and I don’t want to burden them further. But maybe I have to do that soon, as I see no other option right now.” The uncertainty surrounding immigration policies has also taken a toll on students’ mental health. Many are feeling overwhelmed by the emotional and financial strain, with some fearing that their dreams of a future in the US may be dashed if they fail to navigate these complex challenges.The uncertainty surrounding immigration policies has also taken a toll on students’ mental health. Many are feeling overwhelmed by the emotional and financial strain, with some fearing that their dreams of a future in the US may be dashed if they fail to navigate these complex challenges. A Growing Mental Health Crisis Among Students The stress of managing academic demands while trying to stay financially afloat has exacerbated mental health concerns among international students. With rising anxiety over their future, many students are grappling with feelings of isolation, stress, and uncertainty about their next steps. The fear of deportation, coupled with the lack of stable income, has left students feeling emotionally and mentally drained. Looking Ahead: The Uncertain Future of International Students As the situation continues to evolve, many students have indicated they will reassess their employment status in a few months, hoping that the immigration climate will shift. Until then, however, they are forced to rely on their savings, family support, or loans, all while navigating the emotional toll of an uncertain future. For now, the question remains: Will these students be able to return to work? The answer depends on the evolving political landscape and whether the new administration's immigration policies will be enforced as strictly as feared. In the meantime, international students are left to balance their academic ambitions with the harsh reality of the changing regulatory environment. In conclusion, the combination of financial strain, the fear of deportation, and the emotional toll of an uncertain future has left many Indian students in the US feeling vulnerable. As they wait to see how the situation unfolds, their stories serve as a reminder of the difficult choices international students face in pursuing education abroad. *For more details visit* https://www.theenn.com/video-17c719527.html https://youtu.be/pnblRhCTjGQ