Indian students living in America also do part-time jobs after their college to earn extra money. But now they have left their jobs due to fear of deportation. 

Speaking to TOI, some of these students said that though such jobs are vital to stay in the US, they cannot risk their future, especially after they have taken huge loans to get a seat in an American college.

Permission to work only for 20 hours

US regulation allows international students on F-1 visas to work up to 20 hours a week on campus. However, many students often work off-campus and undocumented at restaurants, gas stations or retail stores to cover rent, groceries and other expenses.

Now, as the new administration hints at cracking down on immigration policies and imposing stricter regulations, students are abandoning them, unwilling to risk their future.

I used to work at a small cafe after college to cover my monthly expenses. I used to earn $7 an hour and work six hours every day, said Arjun*, a graduate student at a University of Illinois.

The fear of deportation haunts

Though it was a comfortable arrangement, I quit the job last week after hearing that immigration officials may crack down on unauthorised work. I can't take any risks, especially after borrowing $50,000 (about Rs 42.5 lakh) to study here.

Neha, a master's student in New York, also expressed similar concerns. She said, "We have heard about sudden checks at workplaces. So, my friends and I have decided to stop working for now. It is difficult, but we don't want to risk deportation or losing our student visa status. My parents have already sacrificed a lot to send me here."

This young student from Hyderabad was also working in a restaurant at the rate of 8 dollars per hour.

The students said they will re-assess the situation after a few months and then decide whether to resume work or not.

In the meantime, they are relying on their savings or borrowing from friends and family in India to meet their expenses.

Students have to take loans

But this is not a permanent solution, said Rohan Srikanth, who is studying computer science in Texas.

I have already spent most of my savings and have started borrowing small amounts from my roommate. I don't know how long I will be able to go on like this.

Rohan said he feels uncomfortable asking his parents for help as they are already very upset.

"I feel guilty asking them for money. But I'll probably have to do it soon because I don't see any other option right now," she said.

This uncertainty has also led to mental health concerns, with some students feeling overwhelmed by financial and emotional stress.