The absence of a smooth transition of an international student in theUSAinto an immigratory workforce makes the nation a less preferred destination againstcountries like the UK and Canada.
In a recent interview with Virginia Postrel, Rajika Bhandari, author of 'America Calling: A Foreign Student in a Country of Possibility', discussed why international students prefer the UK and Canada over the USA for Study Abroad pursuits.
When questioned about the reasons she believes are behind the US losing its preference to the other Study Abroad destinations, she quoted the absence of smooth transition from student life to workforce being one of the major reasons. In this regard, both F1 Visa and uncertainty around B1 work permit has been discussed by her.
She stated that the single intent policy (student returns to their home country after completing their course program) of F1 Visa binds the students to the immigration rules so much so that as undergraduates their future course is very much set which is not practical at an age of 17. On the other hand as graduate and doctorate studentsthey have to ensure the completion of their courses firstly, due to rigidity of immigration rules, and even if they desire to pursue a professional career after MS in the US,they have to rely on B1 work permit and Optional Practical Training (OPT) before they can officially kick start their careers.
She also stated that the absence of any tentative timelines and the uncertainty of work permits and other permits required for a student to prolong their stay in the US is one additional factor.
Also Read:Commonly Asked US F-1 Visa Interview Questions
The point of middle class students being the biggest contributors to the international student population of the US, and them also being the class worst hit by the Covid-19 pandemic was also brought forward in the interview.
Moreover, the absence of awareness among the Americans in regards with the contribution and struggle of immigrants is also an addition to the list of reasons. She stated that often Americans ignore the fact that it is the dedication and resilience of immigrating students that after the 1960s the US made consistent and remarkable growth in sectors of technology, medicine, and others. This, she believes, coupled with the fact that the majority of these immigrants come from traditional and hierarchical Asian societies mean that they must have struggled against their own social mindset to settle down and needs to be appreciated.
When asked about how the US could be used to attract international students, she stated that it is the promise of freedom and possibility. She states that it is the respect of the fact that a person works and not about the kind of work that allows the freedom of thought and expressions and dreams and possibilities to seep and have a chance to become true for the international students. She also advises the students opting for the US as a Study Abroad destination to come with a mind to learn as the society and structure is far more open and revolutionary than what they have lived in. While it provides a great opportunity for personal development it also is an aspect of struggle and hence they need to be ready to learn the goods and differentiate between rights and wrongs.
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Source: The Economic Times
