According to Open Doors, a report published by the Institute of International Education, there were 1,057,188 international students in the US in the 2022–2023 academic year, marking a 12 per cent increase from the previous year.

“The Trump administration would likely emphasise an ‘America first’ approach, promoting domestic growth, controlling inflation, and encouraging re-shoring and industrialisation. The election outcome will significantly impact the regulatory landscape for technology companies in critical areas like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, data privacy, and antitrust laws,” said Sachin Alug, CEO of talent solutions company NLB Services.

“While technology leaders are planning to increase AI investments by 50 per cent or more in the coming year, the progress of this critical sector hinges on the policies of the new administration. Areas like cybersecurity, data protection, AI and machine learning, and the regulation of user data and content oversight will be influenced by the new administration’s approach, affecting the global demand for AI-specific talent, including in India. The new administration’s priorities will also shape collaboration on climate change and technology transfer, both crucial areas of cooperation for India and the US,” Alug added.

First term trauma

Some experts are concerned that a second Trump administration may introduce stricter changes to Optional Practical Training. During his first term, White House Senior Adviser Stephen Miller proposed eliminating a programme that allows international students with degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to work in the US for up to three years on their student visas, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.

The Bill he drafted in 2015 reportedly prohibited international students with master’s or bachelor’s degrees from working in the US under H-1B status without first gaining 10 years of experience in a foreign country. PhD candidates from US universities would need to work two years in another country to be eligible for an H-1B visa, and employers would face additional hurdles before hiring them in the US.

“While his past policies, like H-1B restrictions, might impact employment pathways, international students contribute around $40.1 billion to the US economy, making it likely that policies will remain flexible to retain top talent,” said Ashish Kumar, founder and director of Tutela Prep, an EdTech company.

Green flag to green card?

In one of the podcasts during his election campaign, Trump floated—though never promised—the idea of easier access to a green card. “Let me just tell you that it’s so sad when we lose people from Harvard, MIT, and other great schools. What I wanted to do, and I would have done this, but then we had to solve the Covid problem, which sort of dominated for a little while,” he said in the All-In podcast hosted by Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, David Sacks, and David Friedberg.

“What I want to do and what I will do is—if 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.

While in his first term, Trump focused on implementing stricter rules for green cards, visa programmes, and refugee resettlement, such topics have been notably absent this time. “I knew the elections were going to happen in November 2024, so I delayed my plans to go to the US. The visa processing time is enormous right now, so I opted for a gap year. I will now wait until Trump takes over the White House in January and apply in September 2025, depending on how friendly he is towards immigrants in his second term,” said a 23-year-old from Delhi.

Experts are advising students to adopt a “wait and watch” approach rather than jumping to conclusions. “Despite potential economic changes, the US remains a top destination for higher education, ensuring continued demand for skilled workers. Indian students should monitor new policies that may create both challenges and opportunities. Additionally, individuals with high skills, merit, or entrepreneurial contributions may find it easier to secure H-1B, H-4 visas, or a green card, as they are key to the US economy and innovation,” explained Ashish Kumar.