Indian students in limbo as US tightens rules on foreign enrolment

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jun 12, 2025 09:05 IST

Brijesh Patel, 50, a textile trader from Surat, has been saving for over a decade to send his son to a US university. He even sold his wife’s jewellery and took loans from relatives to make the long-awaited dream possible.

But amid the ongoing visa uncertainties under the Trump administration, Patel said his son was now being advised by visa counsellors against applying for a student visa altogether, "as the chances of rejection appeared too high," he was quoted as saying in The Guardian.

His 21-year-old son secured admission to two American universities for a master’s programme this year. By this time, Patel had already spent Rs 7 lakh on consultancy services to assist with the application process, reported The Guardian.

Patel’s son, whose identity he concealed fearing backlash from the US administration, is just one of the thousands of Indian students for whom the American dream is starting to feel out of reach. According to The Guardian, many students have even abandoned their plans to study in the US.

There are numerous Indians studying in the US.

In 2024, India became the top source country of international students to the US, with over 331,000 Indian students enroled in its universities and colleges.

While the opportunities seem abundant, many now face an uncertain future.

Subash Devatwal, who runs an education consultancy in Ahmedabad, said his phone hasn’t stopped ringing after the recent developments in the US. Distressed students and parents keep asking him the same question, "Is there still a future for us in the US?" he was quoted as saying in the UK-based newspaper.

The US government’s back-to-back actions have only deepened the uncertainty: repeated warnings targeting international students, a freeze on funding to Harvard, and the latest blow, suspension of all new visa interview appointments for student applicants.

Mamta Shekhawat, founder, Gradding.com, said over the last few weeks, the scenario of education in the US has seen some unimaginable shifts, whether by modifying existing policies or adding new restrictions.

SECURED ADMISSION? UNCERTAINTY STILL LOOMS

Shekhawat told India Today Digital, "The current status has made it difficult not only for those planning to move to the US for higher education but also for those who have already secured admission there."

She gave an example of Jaipur's Rampal Singh (name changed on request), whose son was going to the US this August.

"Singh's son was set to go to the US, but with the current scenario, they are reconsidering that decision. They have already made significant investments and even applied for a student loan. However, the possibility of more policy changes makes everyone feel that both their financial stability and their child’s future are at risk," said Shekhawat.

"Watching students being deported for unclear or minor reasons, and hearing about the emotional toll it takes on families, is deeply unsettling," she added.

It's making Singh rethink his decision to send his son to the US.

MENTAL HEALTH IMPACT OF UNCERTAINITY

Shekhawat also gave the example of Rahul Mehta (name changed on request), who is anxious owing to the ongoing developments.

She said now he has started wondering if he should even go, even if he gets the chance to. "There are several doubts in his mind since the last few days, such as, 'What if I’m sent back after a semester?', 'What happens to our financial investment?' The emotional pressure is real, and it’s affecting not just him but his entire family," Shekhawat added.

Another client of Shekhawat, Muskan (name changed on request), has already got her US study visa. However, she is still not sure whether she will be able to complete her course amid stories of students being deported and being booked even for minor things.

INDIAN PARENTS ARE MULLING OTHER COUNTRIES: EXPERTS

Speaking to India Today Digital, Sanjog Anand, co-founder of Rostrum Education, also suggested that students can also go to other countries for higher education.

"If you're unsure about studying in the US, consider other options — Hong Kong is an emerging study destination with great scholarship and financial aid opportunities. You can also explore universities in the UK, Europe, and Australia," Anand said.

Anand also urged those students to strictly follow US guidelines, avoid missteps, and stay focused on academics to safeguard their future abroad.

"With visa restrictions and rules getting stricter every day, the best advice is to make sure you don’t do anything that could go against US government policies. Focus on your studies, follow all visa guidelines and restrictions, and you should be safe," he advised.

Meanwhile, Shekhawat said, "Today’s parents have always encouraged youngsters to dream big, but not at the cost of their security or peace of mind. The current US visa climate forces such parents to ask a difficult question: Is it worth the emotional and financial strain? If staying back in India means their children will be secure, respected, and have a stable path ahead, then that is the choice they are leaning toward," she said.

As the Trump administration's crackdown on foreign students continues, anxiety among them is likely to persist. Although experts suggest these issues may be temporary and emphasise the US's reliance on international students, the long-term impact on higher education remains uncertain, especially for Indian students, who make up the largest group of foreign students in the country.

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