Trump immigration crackdown: Indian students quit part-time jobs in the US amid deportation worries

Though part-time jobs are essential for survival, students are concerned over newly sworn in Donald Trump administration's immigration measures.

Updated on: Jan 26, 2025, 22:15:24 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Indians studying in the US are reportedly quitting their part-time jobs despite the need for extra income, amid fears of deportation as newly sworn in President Donald Trump moves to crack down on illegal immigration.

US President Donald Trump has issued several executive orders expediting deportation of illegal immigrants in the country. (REUTERS)

Though such jobs are essential for survival, students fear risking their studies and future, especially due to loans taken to attend college in America.

Also Read: Indian parents denied entry at US airport as Donald Trump's immigration rules tighten: Report

The fears have heightened after President Donald Trump took office for the second time, releasing a slew of executive orders and press statements that are aimed at tightening border security and removing illegal immigrants to the country.

International students on F-1 visas are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week on-campus, but many rely on off-campus jobs at restaurants, gas stations, and retail stores to cover living expenses.

“I used to work at a small cafe after college to cover my monthly expenses,” a Times of India report quoted a graduate student, Arjun, in Illinois as saying.

Also Read: Who is Kush Desai? Trump taps ex-Indian-American journalist as his Deputy Press Secretary

"I earned $7 per hour and worked six hours a day. It was a comfortable arrangement, but I quit last week after hearing about possible immigration enforcement on unauthorized work. I can't risk it, especially after borrowing $50,000 (about ₹42.5 lakh) to study here," the student said

Neha, another masters student in New York, echoed Arjun's sentiments and added that she was worried about random checks at her workplace.

Neha said, "my friends and I have decided to stop working for now. It’s tough, but we don’t want to risk deportation or losing our student visa status. My parents have sacrificed so much to send me here."

Students have instead become reliant on money borrowed from family. The emotional wellbeing of students may also become a problem due to the stress of the situation.

Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar had announced that the country had agreed to accept undocumented Indian nationals from the US.

There is no estimate yet as to the number of individuals who may be deported and Jaishankar has stated that the Indian origin of the individuals would need to be verified.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.