The American dream for countless Indian students is facing a harsh new reality. A single, pointed question—"Are you a US citizen?"—is now derailing job prospects even before recruiters glance at qualifications, according to a recent report highlighted by The New York Times. This experience, shared by many on F-1 student visas, marks a stark contrast to the celebrated narrative of Indian immigrant success in the United States.
The Hyderabad Student's Abrupt Halt
Sai Sushma Pasupuleti, a high-achieving doctoral candidate from Hyderabad, moved to the University of Houston in 2023 to pursue a PhD in electrical engineering. Her plan mirrored that of thousands: study, secure a job, and build a life in the US. However, this plan began to unravel at a campus job fair. Pasupuleti described moving from booth to booth with her resume, only to be met with the same immediate inquiry about her citizenship status. Upon answering "no," the conversations ended abruptly. "They didn't even look at my résumé," she recounted.
Her choice of the US was deliberate, having considered Germany and the UK. "A degree from the US makes you a leader. People see it as the best," she said. Now, that belief is under review. Even potential success, like launching a startup from her research, could be hampered by visa hurdles. She is now looking at Europe as a potentially more stable alternative, puzzled by why a nation that invests in educating international students seems increasingly unwilling to let them contribute professionally after graduation.
A Sharp Drop in Numbers and Rising Hostility
Pasupuleti's story is not isolated. It reflects a broader pattern affecting the largest group of international students in the US: Indians. Data indicates a startling 44 percent drop in Indian student numbers this year, a decline pointing to anxieties beyond potential policy shifts. While visa uncertainty is a major factor, with the daunting H-1B lottery process, students and professionals report a growing sense of hostility.
This environment is particularly visible online, where there has been a noted increase in racist remarks, religious attacks, and accusations that Indians exploit the system or take American jobs. This stands in sharp contrast to the decades of data showcasing Indian American achievement.
Historical Success vs. Current Uncertainty
The current climate is especially striking given the historical success of the Indian American community. Since immigration laws changed in 1965, Indian immigrants have been held up as a model of successful integration. On average, Indian Americans earn more than white Americans, with nearly three-quarters holding college degrees. They are leaders in technology, medicine, finance, and engineering, and have helmed major corporations like Google, Microsoft, and PepsiCo. Their political influence is also significant, with three presidential candidates in the 2024 cycle having Indian heritage.
An immigration expert noted that Indian Americans came to symbolize the success of America's skilled immigration system. For students like Sai Sushma Pasupuleti, that symbolic promise now feels distant. As visa rules tighten and the rhetoric around immigration hardens, many are left questioning if the country they saw as the ultimate land of opportunity still considers them a part of its future.
