Since late March, at least 1,024 international students studying at U.S. colleges, universities, and university systems have had their visas canceled or faced termination of their legal status, as reported by an Associated Press analysis of institutional communications and statements from educational authorities.
The US government under President Donald Trump claimed it has the right to deport individuals who aren’t citizens due to their participation in pro-Palestinian activities. However, most universities report that there’s little evidence suggesting the involved students were actually part of these demonstrations.
OPT program hopes unravel
Most U.S. foreign skilled worker visas (H-1Bs) go to Indian students, who often come due to the OPT (Optional Practical Training) programs in STEM fields such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. These OPT programs enable graduates to stay in the U.S. for another two years following their completion of studies.
An Indian student currently enrolled in a STEM OPT program, who has recently been granted an H-1B visa, informed DW that he was detained "for assisting an injured friend since his friend couldn't operate a vehicle."
He mentioned that he faced charges for driving under the influence (DUI) back in January; however, he clarified that he wasn’t found guilty of the charge. Following an extensive search spanning over two years, he got a job offer, which fell through as his visa had been cancelled.
“I secured a large loan to pursue studies in the United States, and I’m yet to finish repaying it. After putting in considerable effort for four years, I’ve reached a phase where I want stability. Losing everything because of an error would be pointless,” he stated. “How will I explain this situation to my elderly parents back home?”
Visa surprise forces students to seek assistance urgently
The stringent measures on visas, which are broadly perceived as a component of Trump's immigration policies, are causing worry amongst Indian students aspiring to pursue education in the United States.
The pace and scale of the federal government's attempts to revoke the legal standing of international students has left colleges and universities throughout the US astonished.
According to an announcement made earlier this month, the US Department of Homeland Security revoked the visas of 22 overseas students studying at the University of Michigan.
The institution has contacted those who "must depart the country right away. We are collaborating closely with departments, faculties, and schools throughout the university to make sure that the people affected comprehend their choices and can obtain necessary support," according to the statement.
"Over the past fortnight, we have been relentlessly working to assist the students," stated Ravi Lothumalla, an education consultant based in the United States who is simultaneously advising Indian students regarding their revoked student visas and facilitating connections with legal professionals.
Chand Parvathaneni, an immigration lawyer based in Texas, whose practice has advised around 40 students dealing with visa cancellations, pointed out that "the majority of these cases involve allegations of minor infractions."
He stated that numerous accusations do not justify deportation and do not indicate guilt, adding that "the government hasn’t provided the students an opportunity to reply, which means the students now require legal intervention."
Many Indian students in the US resort to taking large loans for their education there. Besides dealing with mental strain, they now also have to manage substantial legal costs, according to Parvathaneni.
A lot of learners opt for self-censorship.
For Indian students, the widespread cancellation of visas for international students follows closely after two prominent instances where Indian students were deported—Badar Khan Suri and Ranjini Srinivasan.
An Indian postdoc at Georgetown University named Badan Khan Suri was arrested in the U.S. due to suspected connections with the Palestinian extremist organization Hamas, according to his attorney. However, a court has halted his deportation for now.
Ranjini Srinivasan, who received a Fulbright scholarship from Columbia University, moved to Canada voluntarily last month when her visa was canceled due to allegations of supporting Hamas.
A PhD candidate from India who studies at an institution in Atlanta informed DW anonymously stating, “The university has informally instructed us to take down any postings that appear contentious.”
Following two years away, I had intended to head back home and see my folks. However, under current conditions, I'm worried that I could be barred from entering the United States upon my return.
Is the appeal of studying in the US diminishing for Indian students?
The altered political climate and the hostile approach towards international students during the Trump era have made numerous Indian students view the U.S. as an uncertain place for education.
For 26-year-old Bhavika Kohli, who wants to pursue a STEM-designated master's degree, the US had long been a top choice.
At present, my approach to making decisions has entirely shifted," she shared with DW, further stating that despite potentially graduating within two years, she may still struggle to secure a good job due to her status as an international student "given the current political climate.
Kohli mentioned that she is currently evaluating her choices. She stated, "'The current administration in the US has pushed me to think about pursuing post-graduate studies in India,'—a possibility she had not previously contemplated."
An increasing number of Indian students echo Mr Kohli’s worries, viewing the present political climate as unwelcoming for those studying abroad.
"In comparison to last year, we expect a decline of between 20% and 25% in the number of Indian students traveling to the United States this year," said Sushil Sukhwani, the founding director of Edwise International, an India-based education consulting firm for overseas studies, during an interview with DW.
Above all else, the learners' anxieties stem from the unpredictability associated with Trump's abrupt and extensive policy changes.
Madhavan has left his position because he plans to enroll in a master’s program at a US university in August. Nevertheless, he is worried about his prospects as an international student during the Trump administration.
An extensive transformation is happening at an institutional level in the United States. Given this situation, as an Indian student, I feel incredibly helpless and unsure. If I were to head there, I have no idea what might occur," Madhavan stated, noting that although he ought to be making plans for his relocation to the U.S., he finds himself questioning whether he will even be permitted entry.
Things are highly unpredictable, and it will be tough because you're unclear about what actions are possible or forbidden.
Edited by: Keith Walker
Author: Midhat Fatimah (located in New Delhi)