
Ever since Donald Trump took office, panic has spread among the immigrant community, especially Indians on H-1B visas and students on F-1 visas in the U.S.
Initially, the focus was on H-1B holders, as Trump supporters heavily attacked them for allegedly stealing American jobs.
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While there has been no immediate impact on H-1B visa holders, stricter travel regulations and increased scrutiny during visa stamping, renewals and U.S. entry are expected. However, the most immediate impact is being felt by Indian F-1 students.
According to social media posts and reports from ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), there have been ongoing raids to deport illegal immigrants. China has already agreed to take back a large number of its illegal immigrants from the U.S., and the Trump administration has reportedly informed the Indian government about plans to deport a significant number of undocumented Indian immigrants.
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Amidst these developments, raids targeting international students who are violating visa regulations—working full-time in restaurants, factories, and other unauthorized jobs while being enrolled in universities in the name of education. Many of these students are now in a state of panic, fearing deportation.
According to unverified sources, five F-1 students were deported today alone in Texas. ICE has been actively promoting its efforts on their official website and social handles, encouraging the public to report F-1 students engaging in illegal employment. The agency has even posted a notice on its website emphasizing this message.
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Adding to the fear, a school teacher in Texas reportedly called ICE to visit their school and observe how many students did not even speak basic English. This suggests that the teacher was attempting to report a large number of illegal immigrant children enrolled in the school. Although this issue has nothing to do with Indian F1 students, it highlights how troubling the environment has become.
These raids has sent shockwaves through the Indian student community in the U.S., as many rely on off-campus jobs to survive. Some are now avoiding travel, even skipping close relatives’ weddings, fearing they may not be allowed back into the country. Parents in India are also advising their children to remain in the U.S. until the situation stabilizes.
Adding to the tension, there are reports of Indian students turning against each other, reporting classmates working illegal jobs to ICE. This trend is causing further anxiety within the community.
With uncertainty looming, tough times lie ahead for F-1 students and H-1B visa holders in the U.S. They can only hope this phase calms down soon.