At first glance, this situation can be quite perplexing. Indians represent less than 1.5% of the U.S. population, yet they seem to dominate American colleges and graduate programs.
Step into any engineering or computer science class, and it often feels like half the students are Indian. In contrast, Mexican Americans, who make up a significantly larger portion of the U.S. population are noticeably absent from these fields.
So, what’s the reason for this?
It all begins with how these two groups come to the U.S. Most Indian families arrive on education or employment visas, often with a clear plan in mind. They aim to study, earn a degree, land a high-paying job, and perhaps settle down. Education is seen as the golden ticket, often funded by years of hard work, sacrifices, and familial expectations.
On the other hand, many Mexican families have a different journey. Proximity makes it easier to cross the border—sometimes legally, often not. A significant number of Mexican immigrants don’t enter the U.S. through universities or tech jobs. They come seeking refuge from poverty, violence, or simply to earn enough to support their families back home. For them, it’s about survival rather than a strategic plan.
This distinction is crucial.
When an Indian family moves to the U.S. on an H1B or L1 visa, their children grow up in educational systems that offer legal support, emphasizing grades, extracurricular activities, and college counseling. Many of these kids have parents who are engineers, doctors, or researchers. Homework is closely monitored, and SAT preparation begins early. The entire environment is geared towards academic achievement.
Mexican immigrants—especially those who are undocumented, often face a much tougher start. Many of them don’t speak English fluently at home, and college counselors frequently overlook their needs.
Even if a student shines academically, hurdles like financial aid issues or lack of documentation can block their path. Some are the first in their families to graduate high school, and many juggle part-time jobs to help support their households.
Then there’s another kind of pressure.
For Indian families, education isn’t just encouraged; it’s practically a requirement. Kids grow up with the expectation that they’ll pursue careers in engineering, medicine, or earn a Master’s degree. Not going to college is seen as a source of shame. Even switching from a university to a community college can feel like a failure.
Mexican families also value education, but the harsh realities of daily life often take precedence. The burden of tuition costs, the fear of deportation, or simply not knowing how to navigate the college system can make higher education feel out of reach. It’s not that the ambition isn’t there; it’s just that the path is riddled with obstacles.
One group arrives in America equipped with a laptop, a TOEFL score, and a student visa. The other arrives with little more than hope.
This isn’t a competition; it’s two vastly different journeys. Both are filled with struggle but shaped by entirely different circumstances. When policies are crafted to attract skilled workers, it’s no wonder the outcomes seem skewed. If one group isn’t even part of the starting lineup, the scoreboard will always reflect an imbalance.
The real issue isn’t about who’s smarter or who puts in more effort. It’s about who gets access, which doors are open, and what kind of support is available on the other side. Until that changes, the disparities in classrooms will persist.
