As global education costs rise and migration rules tighten, families may need to rethink what the “American dream” truly means today
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For decades, the United States has symbolised opportunity for Indian families seeking a better future for their children. Parents save for years, take large loans and even mortgage their homes to send their sons and daughters abroad for higher education, hoping this sacrifice will lead to stable jobs and permanent residency. Today, however, that long-held dream is becoming increasingly fragile.
A recent story shared on social media highlights the emotional and financial toll of this reality. A father from Visakhapatnam borrowed heavily to fund his two sons’ master’s degrees in the US, despite limited means. By the time the brothers completed their studies, the family’s debt had crossed ₹1.5 crore. His small business was already under pressure, yet he continued sending money to support his sons as they struggled to find work, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
The situation worsened after stricter US immigration policies and a weak job market reduced opportunities for international graduates.
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H-1B visas, once seen as a clear pathway from student life to employment, became harder to secure after tighter rules were introduced following President Donald Trump’s return to office in 2025
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Entry-level tech jobs also declined, leaving many Indian graduates unemployed
As months passed without jobs, the father increased his monthly support, pushing total loans close to ₹2 crore. The family was even forced to consider selling their home to survive. Relief finally came when the elder son was selected in the latest H-1B lottery and secured a modestly paid job, easing some pressure but not erasing the damage.
The episode has sparked wider discussion online, with many pointing out that thousands of Indian families face similar struggles. Rather than blame, the situation calls for empathy. Young graduates are caught between shrinking job prospects abroad and mounting debt back home, while parents bear the weight of decisions made with hope, not recklessness.
