There is uncertainty among Indian students aspiring to pursue higher education in the United States. With the introduction of a new bill in the U.S. Congress calling for the cancellation of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, the number of Indian students in the U.S. has decreased by 28% as of March this year, compared to last year. The OPT program, which allows international students, especially those in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses, to stay in the U.S. for three years after graduation to search for employment, is now under threat. A new bill titled "Fairness for High-Skilled American Act 2025" has been introduced in Parliament seeking to cancel the OPT program.
According to data from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), the number of Indian students in the U.S. has been steadily declining since July last year. In July 2024, there were 348,446 Indian students in the U.S., but by August 2024, this number had dropped to 255,447. By March of this year, the number remained at 255,000. The decline in the number of Indian students is attributed to visa uncertainties, the proposed cancellation of the OPT program, and rising tuition fees, according to Siddharth Ayer, Chief Operating Officer of Step Global.
In the 2023-24 academic year, 97,556 Indian students participated in the OPT program. If the program is canceled, there are serious concerns among students regarding job opportunities and financial stability. With the depreciation of the Indian Rupee, the cost of studying in the U.S. has increased, and tuition fees range from $25,000 to $45,000 per year, making it increasingly difficult for Indian families to afford education in the U.S., according to Siddharth Ayer.
In Washington, a legal battle has begun against the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. Professors, educational institutions, and universities are part of this legal fight. There is concern that actions like the cancellation of student visas, arrests, and threats to decertify some educational institutions have created a fearful environment for American universities and colleges. The legal action was filed by the American Association of University Professors, with support from 86 associations and educational institutions, who have opposed Trump's administration's actions, claiming they are devastating the American economy and educational system.
