Indian students rushing back to US before Trump’s swearing-in
Trump’s tough stance on immigration and his campaign promise to tighten US borders have created uncertainty among international students
HYDERABAD: With President-elect Donald Trump set to assume office as the President of the United States on January 20, many Indian students studying in the US and who are currently in their native place are hurrying back to avoid potential travel complications.
Fear of sudden visa changes or tougher restrictions getting imposed is driving students to cut short their India stay and return before the official transition of power.
Trump’s tough stance on immigration and his campaign promise to tighten US borders have created uncertainty among international students. While there is no official announcement about any impending changes, many students are not willing to take chances.
Ravi Kiran Potha, a student from Hyderabad pursuing his master’s degree in computer science in California, said “I had planned to stay in Hyderabad for the next two months. But, after discussing it with my friends and faculty in the US, I will return early. I don’t want to risk being stuck here if any new rules come into effect.”
Another student Anjali Reddy, pursuing her MS in California, said “It is a very unpredictable situation right now. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Missing a few days at home is better than risking my education and future prospects.”
As January 20 draws near, the anxiety among Indian students is palpable, and understandably so.