- Navigating Tightened Immigration and the US Employment Crisis
- Jobs to the Americans for the Americans
- Why Indian MS Graduates are returning Home
- STAR -Situation, Task, Action, Result Only option
- The US Fantasy vs. Reality for Indian Students
The “American Dream” is currently undergoing a significant transformation for Indian international students, particularly those from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Under the “America First” amd Make America Great Again (MAGA) policies of the second Trump administration, the landscape has shifted toward a more protectionist stance. “Of the Americans, by the Americans, and for the Americans.” For many graduates, the promise of a lucrative US career is being replaced by a difficult return home or a struggle for survival in roles far removed from their academic training.
The Decline of Traditional Entry Points
Historically, MS graduates relied on “body shopping” (IT staffing firms) to bridge the gap into the US workforce. While tech giants still appreciate the cost savings of contract work, tightened immigration norms and shifting hiring priorities have crippled this model. Thousands of qualified post-graduates now find themselves in professional limbo as these agencies struggle to place international candidates. Some of the IT staffing firms, being run by the people belonged to Andhra Pradsesh and Telangana are following deceptive methods by taking the disadvantages of MS completed Indian students and looting them. Interestingly, these companies used to offer jobs on caste lines.
A Sobering Reality: From STEM to Service
The statistics paint a grim picture is about 250 to 300 students from the Telugu states returned to India after two years of unsuccessful job hunting post-graduation. Many who stay to exhaust their Optional Practical Training (OPT) are working in logistics, delivery, hospitality, or the gig economy (Uber/Lyft) just to sustain themselves. To stay for three years (including a STEM OPT extension), a student may need to spend approximately Rs 70 lakh.
The Cost of the Search (OPT Phase)
Finding a job requires meticulous financial planning. Graduates should budget $1,200 – $2,500 per month for living expenses, alongside mandatory legal and professional costs. EAD Filing (Form I-765), $470 (Online) $520 (Paper), Premium Processing, $1,685 (Optional),Health Insurance $1,500 – $2,500 (Annual),Professional Tools $30 – $100 (Monthly). Experts suggest that academic qualifications are no longer enough. Specific, in-demand skills are the only way to “open the door.” Graduates should focus on up-skilling, focus on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Data Science, Cyber security, and Digital Marketing. Many roles are filled via personal connections rather than public postings. For optimization, tailoring resumes with keywords for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Interview Preparation, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to demonstrate value.
The Fading Prestige of Foreign Degrees
The “rush” to apply for foreign universities has seen a measurable decline—down about 17% in Fall 2025 according to IIE data. While Indians remain the largest international cohort due to those already on OPT, the sentiment has shifted from “golden ticket” to “high-stakes gamble.” Prospective students are now being advised to only pursue US education if they are fully funded by scholarships.
Editor, Prime Post
Ravindra Seshu Amaravadi, is a senior journalist with 38 years of experience in Telugu, English news papers and electronic media. He worked in Udayam as a sub-editor and reporter. Later, he was associated with Andhra Pradesh Times, Gemini news, Deccan Chronicle, HMTV and The Hans India. Earlier, he was involved in the research work of All India Kisan Sabha on suicides of cotton farmers. In Deccan Chronicle, he exposed the problems of subabul and chilli farmers and malpractices that took place in various government departments.
