UAE residents who study at US universities said they were relieved and happy after Joe Biden won the presidential election.
Students from the Emirates hoped that the president-elect will reverse President Donald Trump’s anti-immigration policies and that getting visas to study in the US will become easier.
Dubai resident Sakshi Chandak, 18, an Indian second-year psychology student at Arizona State University, said: “I was elated when Biden won. I think he will be an amazing president.
“It was a historic moment with Kamala Harris becoming Vice President-elect. The glass ceiling has been shattered.
“She looks like me. The feeling of seeing someone like you in that position makes you feel that maybe you could be up there.”
Ms Chandak said it was a big day for people who struggled under Mr Trump’s administration.
Students suffered under the Trump administration’s immigration policies and strict post-study work visa rules.
The government made it harder for international students to get visas and limited their time in the US after they graduated.
In July, students enrolled at American universities were told they would be deported or transferred to different institutes if their classes remained online in the autumn semester.
For international students, the chances of getting a work visa may not change immediately, but they are hopeful a Biden administration would adopt policies that were more migrant-friendly.
“Donald Trump did not realise the impact of migrant workers, but Joe Biden understands the importance of bringing international talent to the country,” Ms Chandak said.
“I don’t know a single international student who wanted Trump as president.
“Now, students would not have to worry about having a president who will send them back or deport them for no reason.”
For Sidhant Mathur, a fourth-year economics student at the University of California, a Biden administration will mean more security and stability.
“I felt relieved,” he said.
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A group of friends who live in New York City celebrate after former Vice President Joe Biden was declared the winner of the 2020 U.S. presidential election as they ride down Fifth Avenue in a rented open top double decker bus in Manhattan, New York City, U.S. Reuters -
Protesters rally outside the State Capitol building after Joe Biden was declared the winner of the 2020 US presidential election, in Lansing, Michigan. Reuters -
The US Capitol is seen the day after a presidential election victory was called for Joe Biden, in Washington. Reuters -
Supporters of the US president who still refuse to recognize Joe Biden's victory, including local Republican Candidate Doug McLinko (L) and Eamon Daley, 28, (2nd R), kneel as they pray outside Jones Diner in Towanda, Pennsylvania on November 8, 2020. They won't believe it "until the results are certified". AFP -
Supporters of US President Donald Trump rally outside the State Capitol building after Joe Biden was declared the winner of the 2020 presidential election, in Lansing, Michigan. Reuters -
President-elect Joe Biden and his daughter Ashley Biden leave after visiting their family grave at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington, Delaware. AFP -
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani addresses the media with the Trump legal team, at the Four Seasons Landscaping company in Philadelphia. Reuters -
Two friends take pictures as they gather at the Lincoln Memorial at sunrise, the morning after incumbent President Donald Trump was defeated. AP -
President-elect Joe Biden arrives at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington, Delaware. AFP -
Supporters of President-elect Joe Biden face off over barriers against supporters of President Donald Trump protesting outside the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, a day after the 2020 election was called for Democrat Biden. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell) -
News of Joe Biden's victory in US elections is aired on a digital screen in Dubai Stock Exchange in Dubai, UAE. Reuters -
Posters displaying election results hang on the fence outside of St. John's Church near the White House. Reuters -
Jordan Johnson poses with a Biden flag outside the White House, in Washington. Reuters -
US President-elect Joe Biden arrives with his family for a church service in Wilmington, Delaware. Reuters -
US President Donald Trump departs the White House, in Washington. EPA -
The White House in Washington the morning after incumbent President Donald Trump was defeated by his Democratic challenger, President-elect Joe Biden AP -
In this image made through the window of the press vehicle accompanying the motorcade carrying President Donald Trump, people hold signs at the entrance of Trump National Golf Club. AP -
People gather on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to watch the sunrise the day after incumbent President Donald Trump was defeated by his Democratic challenger, President-elect Joe Biden. AP -
Birds fly over the White House at dusk, the day after a presidential election victory was called for former Vice President Joe Biden, in Washington. Reuters
“In the last four years, there has been aggression toward minorities and international immigrants.
“I did not feel welcomed here.”
Mr Mathur hopes the country will offer more employment opportunities to international students.
Shehryar Haris, a Pakistani student of international economics and finance at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, has lived in the US since 2016.
“The people have chosen their leader and this was the best choice,” said Mr Haris, who grew up in the UAE and whose parents live in Dubai.
“It was good to see democracy in action.
“With a president like Joe Biden, you know what to expect. There isn’t that sense of uncertainty.”
Mr Haris lives in Washington and the city voted decisively for Mr Biden.
“I came to know Biden had won when my building erupted into celebration and I heard people chanting and screaming in celebration.”
He said people came out on to the streets to celebrate.
