Hyderabad: Thousands of Indian students in the United States are grappling with mounting pressures as stricter visa enforcement, reduced job opportunities, and changing immigration policies converge to create an uncertain future.

According to recent reports, more than 4,700 student visas have been revoked in recent months, largely due to irregular attendance or unauthorized employment. Heightened workplace inspections have forced many to abandon part-time jobs that were crucial for covering expenses such as rent, tuition, and food. Families back in India are increasingly stepping in to provide financial support as students cut down on budgets and face rising stress levels.

The visa situation has been further complicated by the temporary freeze on EB-2 employment-based green card processing until September 30. This pause, announced by the U.S. Department of State, has particularly hit Indian professionals who already face years of backlog in the green card queue. Processing is expected to resume on October 1 after the fiscal year reset.

Meanwhile, H-1B visa registrations have seen a steep decline. Applications for fiscal 2026 dropped nearly 27 percent compared to last year and more than 54 percent from 2024. Stricter fraud-prevention measures, a beneficiary-centric selection model, and a significant fee hike from \$10 to \$250 have deterred many applicants. Out of the submissions, only 120,141 candidates have been selected to proceed. This has prompted many young professionals and students to consider alternative destinations such as Canada, Australia, and Germany.

The situation is worsened by political rhetoric in the U.S., where leaders such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis have called the H-1B program “a total scam,” fueling anti-immigrant sentiment. Conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s demand to halt visas for Indian nationals has further heightened anxieties, though it has drawn sharp criticism from Indian-origin entrepreneurs who underline the vital contribution of Indian talent to American innovation.

Compounding the crisis is a slowing U.S. job market. July 2025 saw only 73,000 new jobs added, the weakest figures since the pandemic era, with earlier numbers for May and June revised downward. Tech layoffs have disproportionately affected H-1B workers, who form a large part of the sector. At the same time, increased funding of \$170 billion for immigration enforcement has led to tougher monitoring of Optional Practical Training (OPT) violations, with deportations of Indian nationals doubling since the start of the year.

In response, many students are diversifying their strategies by enrolling in additional academic programs, seeking alternative visa pathways, and relying on legal counsel to navigate complex rules. Growing numbers are also exploring study and work opportunities in Canada and Europe, where immigration frameworks appear more stable.

For thousands of Indian students, the American dream now hangs in balance. Between the financial strain, uncertain job market, and tightening immigration policies, the coming months will be crucial in shaping whether the U.S. remains a preferred destination or if students turn elsewhere to build their futures.