By Nitish Jain
The US is at a crossroads. With new citizenship laws on the horizon, the country faces a critical question: does it want to remain the world’s top destination for global talent, or will it push bright students elsewhere?
The reality is, that while these laws might make immigration tougher, they won’t stop top talent from finding a way. The real concern? The US might just make it harder for itself to stay competitive.
The US still offers big rewards, but students are wising up
Let’s be real, studying in the US is still one of the best investments a student can make. No other country matches the sheer scale of opportunity—Ivy Leagues, cutting-edge research, and access to some of the biggest employers in the world. But here’s what’s changing. Students are no longer blindly chasing a US degree. They’re evaluating their ROI, and if the hurdles become too high, they’ll look elsewhere.
I recently spoke with an Indian student who had admission offers from both a top US university and a UK institution. Given the uncertainty around H-1B visas and post-study work opportunities in the US, she chose the UK—where she was fairly confident of a pathway to permanent residency. This isn’t an isolated case. If the US continues tightening its immigration policies, more students may be forced to make similar choices.
The UK and Australia have stepped up with better post-study work policies. The UK now offers a two-year post-study work visa, and Australia has extended work rights for graduates in high-demand fields. Even China is actively investing in its universities, making them attractive not just for local students but for international talent as well. This shift means that if the US makes it too difficult for students to live and study, they will simply go elsewhere.
Talent always finds a way
History has shown that skilled, ambitious individuals always find ways to succeed. The demand for high-quality education and international career opportunities is not going away.
International students aren’t waiting for policies to favour them—they are adapting. The smartest students are choosing degrees that increase their mobility and security. STEM programs remain popular due to extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) pathways, and students are deliberately picking universities with strong industry ties and job placement records.
At the end of the day, the US benefits immensely from international students. They contribute nearly $40 billion to the economy annually and drive innovation in critical industries. It is a known fact that Indian professionals are amongst the highest earners in the US, leading the way in sectors like tech, finance, and healthcare. Why? Because they bring in-demand skills, a global mindset, and an unmatched work ethic.
Rather than being seen as a challenge, the discussion around citizenship laws should be an opportunity for the US to reaffirm its position as the world’s top destination for education and talent. Policies that support international students not only benefit individuals but also strengthen the US economy and global influence.
For students, the key takeaway is this: be adaptable, build globally relevant skills, and choose institutions that provide strong industry connections. The opportunities are still there for those who prepare well and make strategic choices. And for the US? Well, the world is watching. If it wants to remain the top choice for ambitious international students, it must continue to be a place where young talent is welcomed and given the opportunity to thrive.
(Author is President, SP Jain School of Global Management)
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