Tue Nov 26 06:35:53 UTC 2024: **US Universities Urge International Students to Return to Campus Before Trump’s Inauguration Amidst Immigration Concerns**
**Boston, MA –** With President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration looming, several US universities are advising international students and staff to return to campus before January 20th. This urgent call comes amid widespread anxiety over Trump’s stated plans for mass deportations and stricter immigration policies.
The concern stems from Trump’s past actions and campaign promises. He previously attempted to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, and in his first term, implemented a controversial travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority countries. Furthermore, his incoming administration has signaled plans for increased deportations and the construction of large-scale detention facilities. These actions have fueled fears among international students and staff regarding their visa status and future in the US.
Several universities, including the University of Massachusetts, Wesleyan University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, have issued formal travel advisories urging their international community to return before the inauguration. The University of Massachusetts advisory cites the possibility of new policies being enacted on the administration’s first day, referencing similar travel disruptions experienced during Trump’s first term. Yale University has also held a webinar to address student concerns.
Professor Chloe East of the University of Colorado, Denver, highlighted the significant stress and uncertainty affecting international students, particularly those from Asia, given the current US-China relationship. Aoi Maeda, a Japanese student at Earlham College, expressed her growing apprehension about the future, stating that she feels less hopeful about completing her studies given the potential changes in immigration policy.
The Higher Ed Immigration Portal estimates that approximately 408,000 undocumented students are currently enrolled in US higher education. While incoming administration officials have stated that deportations will prioritize violent criminals and national security threats, this has not eased the concerns of international students who fear being caught in the wider net of immigration enforcement. The anxieties highlight the significant impact of political uncertainty on the lives and educational pursuits of international students in the United States.
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