Eager to embark on master’s programs in data science, software development, and engineering, these students were capturing their initial moments in the United States with photos near a campus fountain
On a sunlit day, just before the fall semester commenced at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, retired economics professor Swarnjit Arora crossed paths with a group of newly arrived students from India. Eager to embark on master’s programs in data science, software development, and engineering, these students were capturing their initial moments in the United States with photos near a campus fountain, as reported by jsonline.com.
With 46 years of teaching experience at UW-Milwaukee and being an Indian immigrant himself, Arora engaged in a friendly conversation with the students. He inquired about their accommodations, fields of study, and whether they secured financial aid or scholarships. Arora, who has been advising the Students of India Association for over four decades, also encouraged them to participate in various student activities.
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Arora’s own journey from a childhood disrupted by the partition of India to becoming a successful professor at UWM fuels his passion for assisting the next generation
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He emphasizes the importance of paying forward the support he received throughout his career, expressing gratitude for the opportunities that shaped his life
The professor is well-acquainted with the challenges international students face, particularly in securing work visas in crucial fields like technology and engineering. Arora expressed concern over the increasing difficulty for students to obtain long-term work visas, emphasizing that it was easier in the past.
Despite immigrants being integral to the U.S.’s global competitiveness in STEM fields, issues such as caps on H-1B work visas and significant green card backlogs hinder the prospects for international students, especially those from countries like India. Arora highlighted that many Wisconsin companies are desperate to hire foreign students due to a shortage of skilled American workers in STEM.
Indian students and their families often view obtaining an American degree as a valuable investment, hoping it will lead to lucrative job opportunities. However, the process of staying long-term in the U.S. is far from guaranteed. While STEM graduates can work for up to three years under Optional Practical Training, the H-1B visa lottery poses a significant challenge.
Arora, now 83, plays a crucial role in helping students navigate this complex system, offering guidance on job searches, training opportunities, and personal matters. His assistance goes beyond academics, as he and his wife open their home to students in need of housing or support. Arora’s commitment extends to cultural and religious aspects, arranging transportation for students to Sikh or Hindu temples and encouraging social interactions to prevent isolation.
Arora’s own journey from a childhood disrupted by the partition of India to becoming a successful professor at UWM fuels his passion for assisting the next generation. He emphasizes the importance of paying forward the support he received throughout his career, expressing gratitude for the opportunities that shaped his life.
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