Donald Trump’s return to the White House has been anything but comforting for immigrants. Indian F-1 students, especially, have been living in fear, unsure when the next visa rule or policy might throw them in the deep end.
Now, out of nowhere, Trump recently said he wants Indian and Chinese students to stay in the US after graduation. At a press briefing, he admitted that America loses talent when students return home and build billion-dollar companies in India or China instead of staying and working in their country.
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He used the example of companies like Apple struggling to hire foreign grads who are forced to leave due to visa issues, which is entirely in his control.
It’s a complete U-turn from the same administration that cancelled visas over minor violations, increased vetting and continues its indefinite suspension of student visa interviews at the embassies.
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Well, it seems the cooler heads are starting to prevail. Trump might finally realize that Indian students and workers are the backbone of the US tech and startups.
However, now the real question is whether Indian students will trust this sudden change in tone Or not.
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Many students have already started looking for alternatives in countries like Germany and Australia. Trump may now say he’s “always supported foreign students,” but his record tells another story.
This love for Indian students may have come too late and doesn’t even offer a guarantee as evident from his past curbs on visas. It is an uncertain time under the new President and that is never assuring for international students.
