International students in the United States are grappling with heightened fear and uncertainty following Donald Trump’s victory in the presidential election on November 5. Concerns about his immigration policies have surged, prompting universities across the country to issue warnings and advisories to their international student populations.
In response to Trump’s proposed immigration crackdown, several universities have advised international students and staff to return to campus before his inauguration in January. Emails and advisories have been issued to prepare students for potential changes, including the possibility of travel restrictions or deportations.
“All international students are worried right now,” Professor Chloe East from the University of Colorado Denver told the BBC. “Students are incredibly overwhelmed and stressed out right now as a result of the uncertainty around immigration.”
Trump has vowed to execute the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, using military resources to assist in the process. While his administration has stated that violent criminals and national security threats will be prioritized, these assurances have done little to ease fears in the higher education sector. According to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal, over 400,000 undocumented students are currently enrolled in U.S. higher education institutions, and their futures are now in limbo.
Travel Advisories Reflect Precautionary Measures
The University of Massachusetts issued a travel advisory in November, urging international students and faculty to “strongly consider” returning to campus from winter break before Trump takes office on January 20. This measure, the university explained, was taken out of “an abundance of caution” based on previous experiences with travel bans enacted during Trump’s first term in office.
Trump’s 2017 travel ban, enacted during his first week in office, targeted several predominantly Muslim nations, as well as North Korea and Venezuela, effectively barring nationals from these countries from entering the United States. He also proposed restrictions on student visas during his previous term. Now, as he prepares to assume office again, universities such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Wesleyan University have followed suit by issuing similar advisories to their international communities.
At Yale University, the Office of International Students and Scholars recently hosted a webinar to address concerns about potential immigration policy changes. These sessions aim to provide clarity but often reveal the depth of fear and uncertainty among students.
Impact on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Students
Foreign-born students protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy are among the most vulnerable. The Obama-era program shields over half a million migrants who arrived in the U.S. as children from deportation. Trump has previously attempted to end DACA, intensifying fears among its beneficiaries.
Professor East emphasized the psychological toll on international students, particularly those from regions with complex geopolitical relationships with the U.S. “A lot of students have concerns about their visas and whether they’ll be allowed to continue their education,” she said.
Asian Students Face Additional Anxiety
Students from Asia, particularly China, are feeling additional pressure due to strained U.S.-China relations under Trump. The uncertainty surrounding these diplomatic ties adds another layer of concern for Chinese students pursuing their education in the U.S.
“I feel like us international students with a visa might get affected, and it’ll become easier to deport us,” said Aoi Maeda, an international student from Japan studying at Earlham College in Indiana. Maeda, who plans to graduate in May 2026, expressed apprehension about the future. “I am planning to graduate in May 2026, but now that the administration is going to be a little bit more dangerous, I’m less hopeful about things going well,” she said.
Maeda also criticized Trump for his shifting rhetoric on immigration, stating, “[Trump] claims that he is only interested in keeping illegal immigrants out of the country, but he also kind of tries to move the goal post a lot of times.”
Universities Navigate a Difficult Landscape
The challenges facing international students reflect broader concerns about the future of immigration policy under Trump. Universities have stepped in to provide support and guidance, but their efforts may not fully shield students from the potential consequences of sweeping policy changes.
The fear among students is palpable, as reflected in the warnings issued by institutions and the personal testimonies of those affected. The looming uncertainty places the academic aspirations of thousands at risk, with many questioning whether they will be allowed to complete their studies in the U.S.
As Trump’s inauguration draws closer, the stakes for international students—and the institutions that host them—are higher than ever. How the administration will handle immigration policy remains to be seen, but for now, the anxiety is widespread, and the future for many remains uncertain.
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This article draws on original reporting by the BBC, highlighting the concerns and experiences of international students in the wake of Donald Trump’s election victory.
You can read the BBC article by clicking on the link below.
https://share.newsbreak.com/a3l88kbz