A few months ago, I was featured in the “Washington Mail” publication with a simple yet powerful message: “Give International Students a Chance.” For many years, the United States has been a magnet for higher education, attracting students from across the globe, and we remain deeply grateful to the U.S. government for this incredible opportunity. International students bring a variety of perspectives, enhance the academic atmosphere, and make notable economic contributions. Despite these benefits, international students often encounter obstacles that hinder their ability to fully succeed in the U.S. To ensure that these individuals can thrive, there are three significant changes the U.S. government should consider implementing.
First, one of the biggest challenges international students face is the restriction on working off-campus. Although their primary focus is education, many students need to work to support themselves financially. Unfortunately, on-campus jobs are not always readily available, and even when they are, they may not provide enough income to cover living costs. Allowing international students to take up off-campus employment would not only help them financially but also provide practical experience in their fields of study.
Moreover, the advantages of this policy would go beyond benefiting the students. It would increase tax revenues and stimulate economic activity. International students are known for their hard work and dedication, qualities that make them valuable employees. Additionally, this change would help integrate international students more into American life, enriching both their own experiences and the communities in which they live.
Another point to consider is that some international students never get the opportunity to work at all, meaning they never experience the U.S. tax system. As a result, they spend four years or more without learning to file taxes, only to face challenges when it’s necessary after graduation. This lack of experience with the tax system can be daunting and stressful, especially when transitioning to post-graduation employment. Allowing them to work off-campus would not only ease financial burdens but also equip them with important life skills they’ll need if they stay in the U.S. to work.
Another critical issue is the lack of access to financial aid. Many students arrive in the U.S. with a solid plan to fund their education, but unexpected circumstances like family emergencies, accidents, or currency fluctuations can throw these plans off course. Unfortunately, U.S. loans often require a cosigner, which most international students don’t have access to.
Offering loans without the need for a cosigner would act as a safety net for students facing unforeseen challenges. Not only would this benefit the students, but it would also benefit the U.S. economy. By ensuring these students complete their education, the U.S. would see a continuous influx of highly skilled graduates ready to contribute to the workforce, fostering innovation and economic growth.
Lastly, the U.S. should reconsider the current three-month limit international students are given to find a job after graduation under the OPT program. This narrow window is extremely stressful and limits opportunities, especially for students who are young and still exploring their career paths. While it’s understandable that certain government roles require U.S. citizenship, international students should have more flexibility in pursuing different job opportunities, not just those strictly related to their degrees. Extending this period would allow them to fully apply the skills and knowledge they’ve gained in a way that benefits the broader economy. As at the publication of this article, I have been Rejected by 50 law firms after I applied to intern with, and the reason was obvious which was my student visa. The stress that comes with applying for internships only to be rejected while they overlook your capabilities hurts a lot. Living in the USA for four years can be a turning point and should have little to no restrictions on international students.
In addition, this policy shift would provide international students with a deeper sense of purpose and belonging. Many international students develop a strong connection to the U.S. after years of study and would appreciate the chance to give back to the country that has educated them. This, in turn, would help foster a more inclusive, vibrant society.
International students bring immense value to the United States, contributing to its academic excellence, cultural diversity, and economic vitality. By allowing off-campus employment, providing access to loans without cosigners, and extending job-seeking periods post-graduation, the U.S. can help these talented individuals reach their full potential. These changes would not only benefit the students themselves but also the country, driving economic growth, innovation, and cultural exchange.
International students invest heavily in their education here in the U.S., facing numerous financial and bureaucratic hurdles. For example, I had to apply for a visa five times, spending over $5,000 just to secure the chance to study in the U.S. This process is not only expensive but grueling, yet we persist because of the immense value we place on education in America. However, the financial burdens and visa challenges highlight the need for better support systems for international students, who add so much to the U.S.’s academic and cultural landscape.
As a pre-law student from Ghana studying at the University of Charleston in West Virginia, I’ve witnessed these challenges firsthand. I’ve even sent numerous emails to the Office of the President, advocating for these much-needed reforms. International students, in general, are law-abiding and contribute positively to the communities they live in. It’s time to give us the opportunity to contribute even more to this great nation.
Written by Charles A Sam, international student, Charleston West Virginia.
