Fearing Deportation, Indian Students Quit Part-Time Jobs in the US: Report

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

In recent weeks, several Indian students in the United States have quit their part-time jobs due to growing fears of deportation and stricter immigration policies under the new administration. Many of these students were working off-campus in jobs like retail or at cafes to manage living costs, with some working up to 20 hours a week. However, with tighter enforcement of immigration laws and possible random checks, students have opted to quit these roles to protect their F-1 visa status.

Reports suggest that students who had borrowed large amounts, such as $50,000 or more for their education, can’t afford to risk their future. While on-campus jobs are allowed, off-campus work often goes undocumented, making these positions particularly vulnerable to government scrutiny.

In interviews, several students stated they would reconsider working again in a few months once the situation with immigration laws becomes clearer. One student, a graduate at a university in Illinois, shared that they worked at a local café earning $7 an hour for six hours daily, but decided to stop after hearing about potential workplace raids. Another student from New York said they and their friends had also stopped working, citing the fear of losing their student visa status and facing deportation.

As part-time jobs are often essential for international students, this shift marks a significant challenge for students trying to make ends meet while studying in the US. Many are left in a precarious situation, facing financial strain without their part-time income but unwilling to risk their ability to stay in the country.