American universities are urging international students and faculty to return to campus before President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January, citing uncertainty over his immigration policies. Trump has promised aggressive deportation measures, raising alarms in the higher education sector.
Concerns stem from Trump’s pledge to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, potentially involving military assistance. His administration has also hinted at building extensive detention facilities for undocumented immigrants. Over 400,000 undocumented students are currently enrolled in U.S. colleges, according to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal.
Chloe East, a professor at the University of Colorado Denver, expressed the growing anxiety among students: “Everyone is worried. The uncertainty surrounding immigration policies is overwhelming for many.”
Precautionary Travel Advisories Issued
In response, universities like the University of Massachusetts have issued travel advisories, encouraging international students and faculty to return from winter break before Trump’s inauguration on January 20. Officials cited lessons from the 2017 travel bans during Trump’s first term as a basis for their caution.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we recommend returning early to avoid potential disruptions,” said a statement from the university’s Office of Global Affairs.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Wesleyan University, and Yale University have also taken similar steps. Yale recently hosted a webinar addressing immigration concerns, especially for students protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Trump has previously attempted to end DACA, which shields hundreds of thousands of young migrants from deportation.
Fears of Policy Changes and Discrimination
International students, particularly those from Asia, are increasingly apprehensive about potential policy shifts. Aoi Maeda, a Japanese student at Earlham College in Indiana, voiced her concerns:
“I’m supposed to graduate in 2026, but the political climate under Trump feels risky. He claims to target undocumented immigrants, but it often feels like the rules are changing in ways that could affect visa holders like me,” Maeda explained.
Students from China are also feeling the strain due to tense U.S.-China relations under Trump.
Uncertain Future for Education
For many international students, the anxiety is not just about their academic future but also about personal stability in the U.S. Professor East emphasized the mental toll: “The fear of losing visas or being forced to leave the country is deeply stressful for students.”
As the January 20 inauguration nears, universities and students alike remain on edge, bracing for what Trump’s immigration policies could mean for the global academic community.
SOURCE: BBC
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