The American Dream could be fading for Indian students

Students are likely to face an immediate setback from new H-1B rules announced by Trump

- Pratishtha Bagai

Donald Trump's $100,000 fee on the H-IB visas that are most sought after by highly skilled immigrants hasshocked the global education and talent industry. And for thousands of Indian students, the American dream may be fading.

Apart from the tech industry, Indian students—particularly those from top colleges—are likely to face an immediate setback. Many of them had secured pre-placement offers (PPOs) with US-based firms and were set to begin their full-timerolesin 2026. Along with proposals to restrict work options for students and mandate minimum salary thresholds, these changes may also deter other students from considering US.

“Iwas so excited that I didn’t have to go through the pressure of sitting for placements, and I would just easily head to the US with a PPO in my hand after college ends,” said a student from one of the older IITs. “Now, Iam uncertain whether the company will approve my visa sponsorship, and I am waiting for further clarity, which is making my family and me anxious.”

H-1Bisanon-immigrant visa used by US employers, mostly tech and research firms, to hire foreign workers in occupations requiring highly specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.