HYDERABAD: In the weeks leading up to President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan 20, several Indian students in the US engaged in odd jobs post college hours — to earn some extra bucks —have quit their work for fear of deportation. Speaking to TOI some of these students said that while such jobs are crucial to stay afloat in the US, they cannot risk their future especially given the hefty loans they have secured to land a seat at an American college.
The US regulation allows international students on F-1 visas to work up to 20 hours a week on-campus. However, many students often turn to off-campus and undocumented work at restaurants, gas stations, or retail stores to cover rent, groceries, and other living costs. Now, with the new administration hinting at tightening the noose around immigration policies and enforcing stricter rules students are giving them up, unwilling to jeopardise their future.
“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,” said Arjun*, a graduate student at a university in Illinois. “Though it was a comfortable arrangement, I quit last week after hearing that immigration authorities might crack down on unauthorised work. I can’t take any chances, especially after borrowing $50,000 (Rs 42.5 lakh approx.) to study here,” he added.
Neha*, a master’s student in New York, aired 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.”
The young student from Hyderabad was also working at a eatery for $8 a hour.
Students said that they will reassess the situation after a few months and then decide whether to resume work or not.
In the meantime, they are relying on their savings or borrowing from friends and families back home in India to make ends meet. “But it is not a sustainable solution,” said Rohan Srikanth* studying computer science in Texas. “I have 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 said that he is uncomfortable turning to his parents for help because they are already stretched thin. “I feel guilty asking them for money. But maybe I have to do that soon, as I see no other option right now,” he said.
The uncertainty has also sparked mental health concerns, with some students feeling overwhelmed by the financial and emotional strain.
(*Names changed to protect identities)
