Congress Lok Sabha Whip Manickam Tagore has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting urgent relief for Indian students who are forced to return from the United States without securing an H-1B visa. He has asked the government to announce a five-year deferment on repayment of their education loans. According to him, these students often invest heavily in their education abroad, but without work opportunities due to visa challenges, they face immense financial and emotional strain.
I feel this issue is important to highlight because thousands of Indian students aspire to study in the US every year, and many rely on loans to fund their education. When they do not secure an H-1B visa despite having job offers, they are left in a difficult position—unable to earn in dollars yet burdened with large repayments back home. A deferment could offer them breathing space to rebuild their careers in India or find alternatives abroad. The debate also touches upon larger issues like international mobility, student welfare, and how India supports its overseas graduates during setbacks.
What Manickam Tagore Demanded
- Five-year deferment on education loan repayment for returning students.
- Special support for those who had job offers but could not secure an H-1B visa.
- Government action to prevent such students from falling into financial distress.
Why Students Are Struggling
- The H-1B visa is highly competitive, with limited slots every year.
- Many students return despite securing jobs because of the lottery system.
- Education loans for studies in the US often run into tens of lakhs of rupees.
- Repayment begins soon after graduation, creating immediate financial stress.
Broader Implications
This appeal reflects the challenges Indian students face in balancing aspirations with uncertain global opportunities. If the government considers such a deferment, it will not only provide relief to struggling students but also reinforce India’s commitment to supporting its youth abroad. On the other hand, it raises questions on how such a scheme would be implemented and whether it would apply universally or only to those with proven hardships.
