Part -1 What and why this frantic mad rush to the west?
In order to appreciate and answer this question let us explore that how many Indians apply for usa visas each year, how many go to usa for studies or job and what is its trends and how this trend is changing yearly.
According to the US Embassy and Consulates in India, the US Mission to India processed a record 1.4 million US visas in 2023, which is a 60% increase compared to 2022. Indians now represent one out of every 10 US visa applicants around the world. The most preferred visa categories for Indians are student visas, visitor visas, and employment visas.
The number of Indian students studying in the US has also reached an all-time high, with a 35% increase in the academic year 2022-23, according to the Open Doors Report. Indian students make up more than 25% of the total number of international students in the US. India has also surpassed China as the largest source of international graduate students in the US. The US Embassy issued a record number of student visas, and the US Ambassador to India praised Indian students.
The number of Indians who travelled to the US for work purposes is not readily available, but according to Wise, the most common US work visa category for Indians is H-1B, which allows for work in specialty occupations and requires a higher education degree. The US Department of State publishes annual visa statistics, which show that in 2022, the US issued 1,74,355 H-1B visas worldwide, of which 1,13,426 (65%) were for Indians. This indicates a high demand for skilled Indian workers in the US.
The trends of Indians applying for US visas and going to the US for studies or work may vary depending on various factors, such as the pandemic situation, the visa policies, the economic conditions, the educational opportunities, and the personal preferences of the applicants. However, based on the available data, it seems that the US remains a popular and attractive destination for many Indians who seek higher education or career advancement.
Yet another interesting aspect to explore would be Why is it that given a choice, parents still opt for educating their sons and daughters in Western universities and professionals seek visas in US.
– Western universities, especially in the US, UK, and Canada, are often ranked among the top in the world for their academic quality, research output, and reputation. They offer a wide range of programs, disciplines, and specializations, as well as access to cutting-edge facilities, resources, and networks. Studying in a western university may also expose students to diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, enhancing their personal and professional development.
– Western countries, especially the US, offer a large and dynamic job market for various sectors and industries, including STEM, finance, consulting, healthcare, and more. Working in a western country may provide higher salaries, better benefits, and more career opportunities than working in India. It may also allow professionals to gain valuable skills, knowledge, and experience in a global context, as well as to build connections with influential people and organizations.
– Western countries, especially the US, may also offer more stability, freedom, and security for some people, compared to India. For example, some people may prefer the political, legal, and social systems of western countries, which may offer more democracy, human rights, and rule of law. Some people may also seek to escape the challenges and problems that India faces, such as poverty, corruption, pollution, and discrimination.
Of course, pursuing western education and work opportunities also comes with some challenges and drawbacks, such as:
– The cost of studying and living in western countries is often very high, and may not be affordable for many people. Scholarships and financial aid may be limited or competitive, and students may have to take loans or work part-time to support themselves. The return on investment may not be guaranteed, as some graduates may struggle to find jobs or repay their debts.
– The visa and immigration policies of western countries are often complex, restrictive, and uncertain, and may change frequently depending on the political and economic situation. Obtaining a student or work visa may require a lot of paperwork, fees, and waiting time, and may not guarantee a long-term stay or permanent residency. Some visa categories, such as the H-1B visa in the US, may also impose limitations and conditions on the applicants, such as employer sponsorship, quota, and lottery.
– The cultural and social adjustment of living and working in a western country may be difficult and stressful for some people, especially if they face language barriers, discrimination, or isolation. Some people may also experience homesickness, nostalgia, or loss of identity, and may miss their family, friends, and culture in India.
According to the Global Go To Think Tank Index Report, a think tank is a public policy research, analysis, and engagement organization that generates policy-oriented research, analysis, and advice on domestic and international issues, thereby enabling policymakers and the public to make informed decisions about public policy issues. According to the Academic Influence website, academic influence is a measure of the impact that scholars and institutions have on their disciplines and the world at large, based on the citations and references of their publications. However, these definitions and metrics may not capture the full scope and diversity of Western academia and think tanks, and they may reflect certain biases or limitations that favor certain types of institutions or disciplines over others.
Let us examine the empirical evidence and cases of how Western academia and think tanks have influenced or attempted to influence public opinion and policy outcomes in other regions and countries, as well as how they have been influenced or challenged by other actors and sources of knowledge and power. Some studies have suggested that Western academia and think tanks have played a significant role in shaping the global agenda and discourse on various issues, such as democracy, human rights, security, development, and climate change. However, other studies have pointed out the limitations and challenges that Western academia and think tanks face in their influence and credibility, such as the erosion of trust, the rise of populism, the polarization of politics, and the lack of coordination and cooperation among allies and partners. Moreover, some studies have highlighted the emergence and contribution of non-Western academia and think tanks, as well as other forms of knowledge and power, such as indigenous, local, and grassroots movements, that challenge and complement the Western perspectives and paradigms on various issues.
In view of the above trend, an obvious question to ask would be how is it that Western academia and think tanks continue to exercise powerful influence worldwide, and people around the world are eager to find a way into Europe and North America for higher studies and seeking jobs.
This is a complex and controversial question that requires a careful and critical examination of the evidence and arguments. The assertion that Western academia and think tanks continue to exercise powerful influence worldwide is based on several assumptions and implications, such as:
– They act as a coherent and unified group that share a common agenda and perspective.
– They have the ability and intention to shape public opinion and policy outcomes in other regions and countries.
– They represent the interests and values of the West as a whole, and not of specific actors or factions within it.
– The migration patterns of people from other regions and countries to Europe and North America are driven primarily by the attraction and influence of Western academia and think tanks, and not by other factors such as economic opportunities, security threats, social networks, or personal preferences.
These assumptions and implications may not be valid or accurate, and they may overlook the diversity and complexity of Western academia and think tanks, as well as the multiple and dynamic factors that affect migration decisions and experiences.
One possible reason for this question is resilient economic and political institutions of the western country. According to the OECD, resilient institutions are those that have the capacity to deliver and enhance results over time, credibly, legitimately and adaptively; as well as the ability to manage shocks and change. Some of the dimensions that can be used to assess the resilience of institutions include transparency, accountability, participation, integrity, innovation, and social capital. However, these dimensions may not be equally relevant or applicable in different cultural and historical settings, and may reflect certain biases or assumptions that favour Western models of governance and development.
Another possible way to approach this question is to examine the empirical evidence and cases of how different economic and political institutions have responded to various internal and external challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the global financial crisis, social movements, environmental issues, and geopolitical conflicts. Some studies have suggested that democratic institutions and processes can and must be made more resilient, and that they can benefit from the diversity, inclusion, and innovation that are fostered by civil society and local actors. However, other studies have pointed out the limitations and weaknesses of some Western institutions and processes, such as the erosion of trust, the rise of populism, the polarization of politics, and the lack of coordination and cooperation among allies and partners. Moreover, some studies have highlighted the resilience and adaptability of some non-Western institutions and processes, such as the effective management of the pandemic by some Asian countries like India, the rapid economic growth and poverty reduction by some Asian and African countries, and the emergence of new regional and global actors and initiatives by some Latin American and Middle Eastern countries.
To be continued.