Stricter visa policies and deportation risks force students to rethink financial strategies
Following President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025, a growing number of Indian students in the United States are stepping away from part-time jobs that once helped them manage living costs. Tougher immigration policies and heightened enforcement have made undocumented employment risky, leaving students with difficult choices about their future reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
New immigration rules make off-campus jobs a risk for students
International students on F-1 visas are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week in on-campus jobs. However, due to the limited availability of these roles, many students turn to undocumented off-campus jobs in restaurants, retail stores, and gas stations. Recent crackdowns have increased the risk of deportation for those working without authorization.
TNN quoted Arjun (name changed for privacy), a graduate student in Illinois, saying, “I used to work at a café after college hours to cover my monthly expenses. I earned $7 per hour and worked six hours daily. Though it was manageable, I quit last week after hearing about stricter immigration checks.”
On-campus jobs fail to meet student demand
While on-campus jobs are legal and secure, they remain highly competitive and insufficient to meet the demand. Many students struggle to find positions, forcing them to explore alternative financial solutions.
Financial struggles mount as students abandon part-time work
Rising living costs in major US cities worsen the crisis
With rent, groceries, and utilities becoming more expensive, students who previously relied on part-time jobs now face increased financial strain. Those without alternative support are finding it increasingly difficult to sustain themselves.
Many students are turning to their families or university scholarships for assistance. However, not all students have access to these resources, pushing some into borrowing from friends or cutting expenses drastically.
TNN quoted Rohan Srikanth (name changed for privacy), saying, “I’ve used up most of my savings and started borrowing small amounts from my roommate. I don’t know how long I can continue like this.”
Rohan admitted feeling guilty about asking his parents for financial help, knowing they are already under pressure. “But I might have to do it soon—I don’t see another option,” he added.
Emotional stress and academic pressure on the rise
Losing financial independence has heightened stress levels among students, leading to increased mental health concerns. Many universities are expanding counseling services to support struggling students.
TNN quoted Neha (name changed for privacy), a Master’s student in New York, saying, “We’ve heard rumors of workplace inspections, and my friends and I decided it’s not worth the risk. My parents sacrificed so much for me to be here—I can’t let them down.”
Students shift focus to internships and career-building
Despite the difficulties, some students are using this period to focus on long-term career growth. Internships, research projects, and networking are becoming priorities, with the hope of securing stable jobs post-graduation.
“I’ve shifted my focus to internships,” said Arjun. “While they don’t pay much, they offer valuable experience that could help me secure a well-paying job in the future.”
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