Two major points here:
(1) Recession doesn’t mean there is no job, but Act Fast.
Some industries are growing even in this time. Here are the list of hiring companies. This link and this link, you can see that some industries are doing better than others.
If you are a graduating F-1 student and have not applied for OPT, do it now.
The biggest thing that will help you now is to apply consistently, talk to people you know, and reach out to people in industries.
The two posts that may help:
(2) Know that you don’t NEED to be in America to be successful.
Keep fighting for what you want! While the US has many opportunities, high-paying jobs, and that life may be more comfortable in America, several countries aside from USA — e.g. Canada, Japan, Germany — are easing immigration laws for talents. Even if you go back to your home country, you are sure to have advantage in terms of knowledge and social capital. Use that to your advantage, introduce innovations to your country. That is where you will become great.
Final Note
Getting a job during COVID-19 or a recession is tough, especially if you are not in the high-growth industry. What’s worse is the recent threat of changes in immigration policy, from restricting entry into the US to removing the employment permits and visas altogether. Being uneasy or even stressed is totally fair.
Check the news. Talk to trusted adults or friends. Meet your international student office. Discuss your legal concerns with professionals. Or, find international student groups online.
BUT at one point, you have to move on and keep going forward. The fact that you came to America means that you did great. Many people want to take your spot but can’t. You are awesome. Even then, you can’t change things you cannot control.
Congrats on your graduation.
Let’s get through this.
Update 6/1/2020 (F-1 OPT Policy): In response to a few Republican senators who proposed the restriction on employment visas, 12 other Republicans representatives now publicly back the need to continue OPT program for the benefit of US economy. This is a good sign. It is also consistent with The US Chamber of Commerce (industry board) that is working closely to make sure of the continuation and even expansion of employment-based immigration policy. Foreign students and foreign-born talents have long been a source of consistent economic growth in the US. While politics make the situation seem dire, focus on what you can control. Letter to the Congress of the United States.
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Expats in America 