WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Families across India are growing more concerned about the value of a U.S. education as the Trump administration considers new restrictions on international students and a proposed $100,000 fee for Optional Practical Training, or OPT.
The proposal has not become official. However, the discussion alone has created fresh uncertainty for students who hope to study in the United States and gain work experience after graduation. As a result, many parents now question whether the high cost of a U.S. degree still makes financial sense.
One of them is Manvi Singh, a marketing professional from Delhi, India. In the fall of 2025, she sent her only son to a leading U.S. university. At the time, the Trump administration had already tightened immigration policies. Even so, her family believed a U.S. education would provide strong career opportunities.
Now, Singh says those expectations have changed.
“These days, often my husband and I debate that the amount of money we are spending on our kids’ education could have secured his future back here in India, complete with a house of his own,” Singh told The American Bazaar by phone from Noida, near New Delhi. “And today, we don’t even know if he would be able to get even an internship in the U.S.”
Her concerns reflect a growing debate among Indian families. Many now wonder whether studying in the United States still offers a clear path to career growth. At the same time, the rising cost of education has added even more pressure to that decision.
The latest concerns center on two major issues. First, the administration has discussed ending the “duration of status” policy for F-1 student visas. That change could affect how long international students may remain in the United States while they study. Second, reports say officials have discussed charging international graduates a $100,000 fee to receive work authorization through the OPT program.
OPT allows eligible international students to work in the United States after completing their studies. Many students rely on the program to gain professional experience before returning home or seeking longer-term employment opportunities. Therefore, any major change could affect thousands of students every year.
The proposed fee has drawn particular attention because it could sharply increase the total cost of studying in the United States. Tuition, housing, health insurance, and daily living expenses already require a significant financial commitment. Consequently, an additional fee of that size could place the American education system beyond the reach of many middle-class families.
Still, immigration experts caution that the proposal has not become government policy.
Kevin J. Andrews, a Maryland immigration attorney and founder of Kevin J. Andrews Law, urged students and families not to make decisions based on speculation alone.
“As of now there is no rule, proclamation or Federal Register notice,” Andrews said. “Just a media outlet reporting an anonymous source, and a White House official who said nothing is imminent without denying the idea exists.”
His comments highlight the current uncertainty surrounding the proposal. Although media reports have sparked concern, no formal regulation has appeared. Until that happens, students must wait for official guidance before changing their education plans.
Even so, uncertainty itself can influence important decisions. Many Indian families invest years of savings to send children to American universities. They often expect graduates to gain valuable work experience through OPT before returning home or pursuing additional career opportunities abroad.
If future restrictions reduce those opportunities, some families may begin exploring universities in Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, or other countries with more predictable immigration policies. Others may decide that India’s growing education sector and expanding job market offer a better return on investment.
