Last year was not easy for Indian youth who dreamed of studying and working in America. The situation changed rapidly in the first year of President Donald Trump’s second term, and Indian students were the most affected. According to statistics, the number of Indian students studying in American universities declined by a whopping 75 percent.
According to agencies specialized in foreign education, the fall session, which runs from August to October, was the most affected. This session usually accounts for about 70 percent of the total admissions. However, last year, very few students were able to go to America during this period. The main reasons for this were the lack of visa interview slots and strict scrutiny. Many students could not get slots on time, due to which they had to postpone their plans.
Visa rules added to the difficulties
According to a report in The Times of India, education consultants say only those students who had completed their applications by February or March could proceed. Arvind Manduwa, who runs an agency in Hyderabad, said this is the first time such a huge decline has been seen. Visa checks became more stringent than ever before, leading to increased rejections and shaking students’ confidence.
hopes dashed
Many students felt that the situation would improve by the spring session (January to March), and they would be able to take admission then. But this did not happen. Visa slots remained limited, and checks became more stringent. Even the social media activities of the students were being monitored. This created an atmosphere of tension and fear.
Students already studying were also affected
The situation was even more difficult for students already studying in America. According to US State Department data, nearly 8,000 student visas were canceled through December 2025. Many students suddenly received emails stating that their F-1 visas had been canceled and that they would have to leave the country within a few weeks.
Past events also played a role
Surprisingly, in many cases, the reason for visa cancellation was due to old and minor incidents, reports Times of India. A 25-year-old student studying in Boston said he had received a speeding ticket in 2024, but no case was registered. Despite this, his visa record was cancelled. The situation was later resolved with the help of a lawyer and submission of necessary documents, but it caused a lot of stress.
Increased strictness on H-1B visa
Along with professionals working on H-1B visas, students also faced pressure. The government’s increased fees for this visa and discussions about reducing its availability further increased the concern. About 72 percent of H-1B visa holders are Indians, who mostly work in the IT sector.
Job dreams shattered
The job market in America also remained weak. Many companies halted new hiring, postponed visa transfers, and in some cases even withdrew job offers. Saif, a 27-year-old MBA graduate from Texas, said that even after passing the interview, his job offer was cancelled.
Social media becomes new concern
Another cause of tension were the new guidelines. H-1B visa holders and their families warned to keep their social media accounts public. He was told that anti-American posts could lead to visa cancellation or deportation. Due to this, people started getting scared about every post they shared.
Impact on work authorization
The Department of Homeland Security also changed a rule related to work authorization. Earlier, automatic extension was available till the visa was renewed, but this is no longer the case. This means that if the authorization expires and a new one is not received, the work will have to be stopped.
