In light of President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed immigration and deportation policies, U.S. universities are urging international students and staff to return to campus before his inauguration in January, according to a report by the BBC.
“All international students are worried right now,” said Professor Chloe East from the University of Colorado, Denver, reflecting the uncertainty gripping campuses nationwide.
Trump has pledged to declare a national emergency on border security, with plans to deploy military forces to facilitate the mass deportation of undocumented migrants. Incoming administration officials have also signaled intentions to build large detention facilities for individuals awaiting deportation.
Immigration has been a defining issue of Trump’s campaign, with promises to secure the U.S.-Mexico border and deport millions of undocumented migrants. This follows what the Republican President-elect has described as high rates of illegal migration during Joe Biden’s tenure.
The BBC, citing data from the Higher Ed Immigration Portal, reports that over 400,000 undocumented students are enrolled in U.S. higher education institutions. Tom Homan, appointed as Trump’s “border czar,” announced plans to intensify workplace raids as part of the administration’s enforcement strategy. He emphasized targeting individuals with existing deportation orders, describing them as “fugitives.”
The anxiety among international students is palpable. Professor East noted growing concerns over visa status and the potential disruption of academic pursuits. Universities have responded by offering guidance and resources. Yale University’s Office of International Students and Scholars recently hosted a webinar addressing the potential impacts of policy changes, while the University of Massachusetts issued specific advice for international students and staff to return to campus before January 20.
The advisory from the University of Massachusetts referenced previous travel bans enacted during Trump’s first term in 2017, which restricted entry for individuals from several Muslim-majority countries, as well as North Korea and Venezuela. “Out of an abundance of caution,” the Office of Global Affairs recommended early campus returns to mitigate risks of travel complications.
Meanwhile, international student enrollment in the U.S. continues to reflect shifting global trends. India has reclaimed its position as the largest source of international students in the U.S., with 331,600 enrolled in the 2023-24 academic year, marking a 23% increase from the previous year. According to the Open Doors Report, Indian students now make up 29% of the total 1.21 million international students in the U.S., solidifying their status as the top contributors to graduate programs for the second consecutive year.
As universities navigate an era of heightened immigration scrutiny, they remain focused on safeguarding the educational journeys of their diverse student populations.
