A viral Reddit thread has sparked a heated debate over whether American universities are increasingly functioning as immigration pathways rather than purely educational institutions.
The discussion began after a Reddit user shared the story of a former international student who moved to the US in 2019 for a master's degree and eventually returned home after spending seven years there.
According to the post, the individual completed two master's programs after failing to secure an H-1B visa through the lottery system five times. Despite missing out on the visa, the user claimed the person still managed to save nearly $140,000 during their stay and returned home with significantly better career opportunities.
The post questioned whether many international students pursue higher education in the US mainly for academics or as a pathway to employment and immigration opportunities.
Several Reddit users debated whether US universities have become closely tied to work visa ambitions, with one commenter writing, 'Most masters degrees are just glorified immigration pathways now.'
Another user argued that the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows international students to work in the US after graduation, has become central to attracting students.
'Without OPT, there is no incentive for students to come to the US,' the comment read.
The comment further alleged that universities benefit financially from international enrolments while domestic graduates face tougher competition in the entry-level job market.
Several users also criticized universities for marketing expensive degree programs as gateways to long-term employment opportunities and residency in the US.
'It's really the higher education institutions exploiting the dreams of immigrants for tuition and profit,' another Reddit user commented.
