New Trump administration: Students hail green (card) signal
The second term of the Trump presidency is poised to maintain, if not boost, the appeal of the United States as a destination for international students, particularly those from India. According to experts, the number of students opting to study in the U.S. is expected to rise by 15-20% in 2025 compared to the previous year, reflecting a continued demand for U.S. education despite some of the more contentious aspects of Trump’s first term, such as immigration restrictions.
A large portion of this student influx is expected to continue to favor STEM fields—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—where U.S. institutions are globally renowned. This aligns with Trump’s ongoing focus on strengthening the U.S. economy by addressing the skills gap in critical industries. The administration’s policies may seek to boost business through tax cuts, deregulation, and easing restrictions, which could indirectly benefit sectors that employ international graduates, particularly in fields like IT, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.
On immigration, Trump’s approach has been characterized by a combination of strict border security measures and policies that aim to attract skilled talent, particularly from countries like India. A key development has been the administration’s stance on international students. Under Trump 2.0, policies are likely to encourage these students to stay longer in the U.S. after graduation, addressing talent shortages in sectors like tech and healthcare. This could result in more lucrative opportunities for Indian students in the U.S. job market, especially if they can gain post-graduation work experience through programs like the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.
However, there are concerns about potential implications for labor standards. Trump’s policies could prioritize geopolitical goals over labor protections, possibly driving down the value of labor and affecting contingent labor markets in certain sectors. This could complicate the landscape for workers in lower-wage industries or those relying on temporary work permits.
The overall sentiment among Indian students, who make up a significant portion of the 1 million international students in the U.S., is positive following Trump’s election victory. Many see it as a sign that the U.S. will remain a top destination for higher education, and that policies under Trump 2.0 will continue to be favorable in terms of both academic and professional opportunities in the U.S.
