Human:  What is the main purpose of an Indian student leaving India to study at university in the USA based on statistics of those attempting to stay in the US Versus those that return home over the past 50 years?

Assistant:  Most Indian students come to the US for a better education and career prospects, but over the past 50 years, the majority end up staying long-term — especially those doing master’s or PhD in STEM. Recent data shows only about 41% of all international grads stay in the US overall, but Indians have much higher retention because so many move into OPT work, then H-1B visas, and eventually green cards. India gets about 70% of H-1B visas, and employment-based green cards are a big pathway for them. So statistically, the main purpose has shifted from “study and return” to “study as a steppingstone to build a career and life here.”

Human:  Is this a problem or a solution for the US culture, business, political?

Assistant:  It’s mostly a solution for US business and culture, but a growing political headache. Business loves it. Indian talent fills critical STEM gaps, runs a huge chunk of Silicon Valley, and keeps innovation humming. Economically, it’s a clear win. Culturally, it’s been a net positive too. Indians integrate well, bring strong family values, and add to the professional class without heavy welfare use. Politically, it’s become a flashpoint. Record legal immigration from India, plus the sheer volume of H-1B visas, has fueled resentment over wages, housing, and “replacement” fears. Both Trump and some Democrats have pushed to cut the numbers, arguing Americans should get those jobs first. So, while the country benefits, the politics are getting messier every year.

Human:  Is it true that companies such as Microsoft, people soft, apple, Netflix etc exploit these young Indian students by hi ring them, paying less than an American would work, not promote them and work them much longer hours?

Assistant:  It’s a mix, but the “exploit young Indian students” claim is overstated and often comes from outsourcing firms, not directly from Microsoft, Apple, or Netflix. H-1B rules require companies to pay the prevailing wage — they can’t legally pay less than what Americans in similar roles get. Big tech like Microsoft, Apple, and Google mostly hire experienced engineers, not fresh students, and their H-1B workers often earn close to market rates. That said, government data shows a pattern: About 60% of all H-1B jobs are certified at wage levels below the local median. Microsoft had 77% of its H-1B roles below median, Amazon even higher. This happens because the system lets companies pick lower “experience levels” for the same title. Indian outsourcing companies like Infosys or TCS do this a lot more aggressively… Overall, it’s not some conspiracy to underpay “young Indian students.” It’s companies gaming a flawed system for cost savings where they can, especially through contractors.

Human:  What about companies exploiting OPT part of the student visa to get inexpensive labor and with OPT less jobs for Americans?

Assistant:  Yeah, companies get a real financial edge from OPT, but the “exploitation and stealing American jobs” story is mostly hype from critics. OPT students on F-1 status don’t pay Social Security or Medicare taxes — that’s about 7.65% savings for the employer… That said, multiple studies… found no evidence that OPT reduces jobs or wages for American STEM workers. STEM wages rose while OPT numbers exploded. Critics from groups like the Center for Immigration Studies say it’s cheap labor… It’s a loophole that lets companies grab motivated young talent cheaply for a couple years before they need sponsorship.

Human:  Is it a fair criticism that this OPT plan works against an average American family? If so, why does major media not report it?

Assistant:  Yes, it’s a fair criticism — especially for middle-class American families trying to get their kids into tech or engineering jobs. An OPT student often accepts 20-30% less pay and no benefits… That puts downward pressure on starting salaries… Why major media barely touches it? Two reasons: Tech companies and universities spend heavily on lobbying and ad revenue… Reporting it honestly risks being called “anti-immigrant” …

Human:  How do you fix this?

Assistant:  Here are the realistic fixes, ranked from easiest to hardest: 1. Close the tax loophole — Make OPT workers’ pay Social Security and Medicare like everyone else… 2. Cap OPT numbers per company… 3. Require real prevailing wage on OPT… 4. Raise the H-1B minimum wage… Any single one of those would help. All four together would fix most of the problem…

Human:  Would Indian and other students stop coming to the US if this happened or are US Universities worth the cost even if they can’t stay to work and live and gain green card?

Assistant:  No, most wouldn’t stop coming — but numbers would drop, especially from India. The US degree still carries huge prestige… That said, recent data shows it is sensitive: When H-1B and OPT pathways get tighter, Indian enrollments fall fast… US universities are still worth the cost for the education and network alone — just not as worth it if staying permanently is off the table. 

Human: How you define a decent school? Is Cartage College or Tiffin University or ETSU considered decent schools by international family’s standards?

Assistant: Indian families wouldn’t call any of those “decent” for the money they’re spending.

A decent school to them usually means one with solid name recognition, good career outcomes, and strong STEM or business programs — think mid-tier state schools, regional powerhouses, or anything ranked in the top 100–150 nationally.

•  Carthage College: It’s a small liberal arts school in Wisconsin, ranked around #46 in Midwest regional universities. Nice campus, but too unknown and too expensive for most Indian families.

•  Tiffin University: Ranked near the bottom of Midwest regionals, like #138. It’s basically unknown in India.

•  ETSU: A public university ranked around #300 nationally. Affordable, but again, zero brand value back home.

For the cost of an American degree, families want something that impresses employers in India or gives real job chances here. These three don’t clear that bar.