Uncertainty Among International Students in the US
As the new administration prepares to take office, international students in the US are facing uncertainty about their future in the country. Many students received an unexpected email from their universities, warning them about potential changes in immigration policy and advising them to return to the US before the inauguration on January 20.
Past Experience with Immigration Policy
This warning is not unfounded, as the new president has a history of implementing strict immigration policies. In 2017, he introduced a temporary ban on entry into the US for visitors from Muslim-majority countries, as well as Venezuela and North Korea, citing national security concerns. This measure caused problems for many people who were unable to return to the country.
Universities’ Response
At least 10 universities in the US have sent warning letters to their international students, including Brown, Pennsylvania, MIT, and the University of Southern California. These universities are advising students to return to the US early, as it is “especially important given that a new presidential administration will take office on January 20, 2025 and, as is common, may issue one or more executive orders affecting travel to the US and the visa process.”
Concerns About Travel Restrictions
Some universities, such as Cornell University, are providing lists of countries that may be targeted by the new administration’s immigration policies. These countries include Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Myanmar, Sudan, Tanzania, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. China and India may also be added to the list, although international students and academics from these countries are unlikely to be affected.
Personal Stories of International Students
Many international students and professors are choosing not to leave the US during the holiday season, fearing that they may be denied entry upon their return. One such student, Sercan Canbolat, director of Abrahamic programs at the University of Connecticut, has decided not to travel outside the country during the new president’s term, citing concerns about being separated from his wife and daughter.
Contribution of International Students to the US Economy
According to the Open Doors 2024 Report, there are nearly 1.1 million international students in the US, contributing almost $50 billion to the US economy in 2023. The majority of these students are from India and China, and they often pay up to three times more for university tuition than national students.
Possible Changes in Immigration Policy
During his election campaign, the new president suggested that international students who graduate from US educational institutions may be eligible for a Green Card, which would provide them with a more secure status in the country. However, it is unclear whether this policy will be implemented, and international students remain uncertain about their future in the US.