The Affect of Donald Trump’s Re-election on the Study Abroad Dreams of Indian Students

Claiming victory in the 2024 US election yet again, Donald Trump has made the most remarkable
comeback in American electoral history. He is all set to return as the 47th President of the world’s
largest economy — the United States. The biggest question amongst all this is — will this re-election
affect the fate of the study abroad plans of Indian students? The Indian students’ s diaspora represents almost 28% of the international students in the US, being the second highest number of students choosing to study in the States.

While being applauded by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with an optimism of strengthening
ties between the two nations, Indians are still wondering the impact of Trump’s renewed leadership on their study abroad fate.

Let’s dive deeper to know what the future holds for all the study abroad aspirants from India!

Donald Trump’s victory speech was awaited by Indians in the US and those seeking to go to the US for work or to visit friends and family to know the new president’s stance on visa rules. Announcing that he’s likely to introduce merit-based immigration changes that will benefit Indians, spread a sense of cheer among all.

During his first term as President from 2016 to 2020, Donald Trump, through his executive order
E.O.13788 'Buy American and Hire American’ increased restrictions on H-1B visas, even for Indians.

But this time, in his second term, his focus on reviving the US economy could create opportunities for India’s technology workforce and students in STEM courses.

As heard in one of his election campaigns, Trump stated, “What I want to do and what I will do is —
you graduate from a college, I think you should get a Green Card automatically as part of your
diploma, a Green Card to be able to stay in this country. And that includes junior colleges too.”. He
added, “I’ve heard of people graduate from a top college or any decent college, and they desperately wanted to stay here, they had a plan for a company, a concept, and they can’t — they go back to India, they go back to China, they do the same basic company in those places. And they become multi- billionaires employing thousands and thousands of people, and it could have been done here.”.

PM Modi’s ‘Friendship’ with Donald Trump Encourages Indian Students Aspiring to Study in the US

With Donald Trump’s return to the White House, all eyes are set on the impact of this re-election on the relationship between India and the US. Hoping for a better future for immigrants, study abroad aspirants, border security, the economy, and global peace, PM Modi has welcomed Trump’s victory with wide arms and is optimistic about what the future entails, looking forward to India’s good diplomatic ties with Trump.

With the great camaraderie between both leaders, India can look forward to renewing its collaboration to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership.

As Indian students willing to study in the USA, let’s find some motivation in Prime Minister Modi’s words, “Together, India and the USA will work for the betterment of their people and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity.”

Epilogue

The clear intentions portrayed by Trump in his second term include bringing in international students, thus bringing in more revenue and helping fill the talent gap. At the same time, he hinted strongly about new policies to curb illegal border crossings and encourage people to explore legal ways of moving across borders and finding opportunities that are better suited to them.

This upcoming term foresees Donald Trump to be positive towards international students. With the
implementation of pathways like green cards for graduates, Indian students may soon find it easier to stay, work, and contribute meaningfully to the US economy.

Trump’s re-election could be a game-changer for international students planning to pursue higher
education in the US, providing the perfect opportunity to stay back and live the American Dream! It is bound to reduce the uncertainty often associated with staying in the US after course completion. By offering this steadfast solution to permanent residency, the States would be able to attract and cherish some of the brightest minds from around the world.

At Lorien Finance, supporting students on their global journey is central to our mission, and we’re
eager to see policies that make this path more accessible and impactful for students worldwide.