Washington:
US colleges are bracing for impact as the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump approaches, raising concerns among international students. With 1.1 million international students in the United States during the 2023-2024 academic year, universities are taking precautions to minimize potential disruptions.
Some institutions have advised international students to return to campus before Trump’s inauguration on January 20. The move is motivated by fears of another travel ban, similar to the one imposed during Trump’s previous term, which left many students stranded abroad.
Although India and China are not currently on Trump’s list of targeted countries, universities remain vigilant. A circular from Cornell University indicated that new countries, including China and India, could be added to the list. This warning gains additional importance, given that India has surpassed China in sending international students to the United States, as the number of registered students reached 3.3 thousand students during the 2023-2024 academic year.
Trump’s stance on immigration has raised concerns among international students. His proposals include expanding the travel ban on people from Muslim-majority countries such as Iran, Libya, Iraq, Sudan, Somalia, Syria and Yemen and canceling visas for “anti-American and anti-Semitic extremist foreigners.” However, Trump also suggested that foreign citizens graduating from US colleges could “automatically” obtain green cards, pending congressional approval.
In response to these uncertainties, universities are taking proactive measures. per CNNThe University of Southern California, which has more than 17,000 international students, instructed students to return to the United States a week before Trump’s inauguration, citing potential executive orders affecting travel and visa procedures.
As the American college community navigates this uncertain landscape, one thing is clear: international students will be closely monitoring Trump’s policies and their potential impact on their educational endeavors.
The impending Trump presidency has created a feeling of unease among international students in the United States. While universities take steps to mitigate potential disruptions, students and institutions alike will be monitoring the situation closely, hoping for a smooth transition and a continued welcoming environment for international researchers.
