Then last month, it resumed processing new student visa applications after a month-long pause but now requires applicants to unlock their social media accounts for review.
American immigration policies are reshaping the lives of foreign students and workers, both current and prospective — not least at a time when the new academic year is approaching.
And in the wake of the crackdowns and shifting rules, the question is, will Asian talent still be drawn to the US?
WORK AND FAMILY UNCERTAINTIES
For Indian national Neeraja Kulkarni, the US was more than a place of study. It was a launch pad for doing meaningful work in clean energy.
“I came to the US to get an education and exposure. Because at that point, I thought the US had the most influential effect in global politics,” said Kulkarni, who came to America in 2022 to pursue a master’s degree.
“I was thinking I’d study for 16 months, and I’d work here for two, three years, get experience and then head back to India to support the development sector.”