Trump or Harris: The next US president can't afford to drive off international students
international students and the U.S. economy—especially for students from India, who have long faced uncertainty about their post-graduation status in the United States.
This proposal should be viewed not just as a policy shift but as a strategic move to retain top global talent. The U.S. has long benefitted from the influx of international students, particularly from India, who excel in high-demand sectors such as technology, finance, and engineering. However, the current visa process is fraught with uncertainty, leaving many graduates in limbo. Trump’s plan could potentially change that narrative, offering a pathway to stability for thousands of students who have invested heavily in their American education.
Vice President Kamala Harris, a staunch advocate for international students, has also worked tirelessly to streamline the visa process and support pathways to citizenship. Her initiatives, rooted in her personal understanding as a child of immigrants, aim to create a more inclusive environment where international students can contribute to the American economy and society without the fear of being forced to leave. Harris’s advocacy, coupled with Trump’s proposal, could mark a turning point in how the U.S. approaches immigration and talent retention.
The financial commitment for students from India to study in the U.S. is substantial. With the potential new policies, we could see the number of international students grow significantly in the next few years. On average, an undergraduate degree costs around
