Paridhi Upadhaya had been preparing to leave for the US after earning a scholarship in computer science. However, her family in Lucknow, India, decided to cancel the plan last week following news of President Donald Trump’s crackdown on H-1B visas.
“Trump’s unending onslaught against immigrants is forcing us to consider other destinations for her,” the 18-year-old’s father Rudar Pratap said.
Upadhaya is among thousands of Indians for whom the American dream of world-class education, lucrative careers, better quality of life and social mobility, is turning sour due to rising US visa restrictions and policy unpredictability.
For decades, the H-1B visa has been the gateway to a new life: a chance for young engineers and scientists from India, China and other countries to turn years of study into high-paying jobs and the possibility of permanent residency.
But last week, Trump said new H-1B visa applications would cost $100,000, up from the roughly $2,000 to $5,000 employers were paying to sponsor workers.
Over 13,000 kilometres (8,000 miles) from Lucknow in Dallas, Texas, an Indian student pursuing a master’s degree in computer science is staring at $80,000 in debt and an uncertain future.
“Right now, the only aim is to finish my degree, find an internship, and try to recover my debt,” said the student, who asked not to be named for fear of being targeted by immigration officials.
“I’ll move to Canada or Europe — anywhere that actually wants us.”
LND/SAE
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