Washington, USA: The fears of H-1B visa holders and Indian students in the U.S. are becoming a harsh reality. As anticipated, former President Donald Trump’s policies have begun affecting the Indian community, especially students.

Following the pandemic, the U.S. relaxed visa restrictions and granted thousands of Indian student visas to support its educational institutions, as international students play a key role by contributing through tuition fees and local spending.

However, an increasing anti-H-1B sentiment and a crackdown on illegal immigration are gaining traction. Trump’s administration prioritized these issues, triggering ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids that have created widespread anxiety among Indian students and H-1B visa holders.

As a consequence, many Indian-owned businesses, including restaurants and grocery stores, have started dismissing students from part-time jobs that are not legally permitted. This has led to a challenging situation for Indian graduate students who heavily rely on these off-campus positions for financial stability.

Indian businesses, which have traditionally relied on the labor of international students, are now worried about legal repercussions. The threat of severe penalties and fines for employing undocumented workers is causing panic.

Many Indian students, who already face a competitive job market, are trying to extend their stay in the U.S. in hopes of securing an H-1B visa through the lottery or landing their first job. However, the ongoing immigration raids are making it even more difficult for them to meet daily expenses.

A large number of students are now financially dependent on their families in India, who are struggling to send money to support them. However, the high costs of transferring funds in dollars from India make this an unsustainable option for most families. Many Indian students in the U.S. have taken out loans and used their student visas as a stepping stone, often relying on illegal part-time jobs to make ends meet.

With ICE raids becoming more frequent, the panic has spread throughout the country. Several Indian grocery stores have begun advertising job openings but with a strict disclaimer that only individuals with valid work permits need to apply.

This situation is likely to worsen, leaving Indian students facing even greater challenges while their families in India continue to struggle to provide financial assistance. The coming months will be a tough period, and it remains uncertain how these students will manage to navigate these difficult circumstances.