Indian students are voicing frustration over a sudden U.S. policy shift that freezes new student visa appointments and expands social media checks for applicants. The move, ordered by the Trump administration, has left many questioning the fairness of the process—and whether America remains the top destination for global education.
🚨 Why it matters: Over 200,000 Indian students study in the U.S. annually, contributing billions to the economy. Romil Udayakumar TNV, a Kerala-based student, told NewspaperAmigo.com: "This feels like a door slamming shut. I’ve worked years for this chance—now I’m looking at Canada or Europe instead."
💻 Social media scrutiny: The State Department’s plan to vet applicants’ online histories has also drawn fire. Critics argue it’s invasive and could disproportionately target students from certain regions. "Checking my Instagram for ‘risky’ memes? That’s not security—it’s overreach," Romil added.
🌏 Global shift: With countries like Australia and Germany rolling out smoother visa processes, the U.S. risks losing its edge in attracting talent. As one student put it: "Why deal with red tape when other nations want us?"
