Fri Dec 27 13:12:59 UTC 2024: ## US Colleges on High Alert as Trump’s Inauguration Nears, Sparking International Student Fears
**Washington D.C. –** With President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration looming, US colleges are taking proactive measures to address concerns among their sizable international student population. The 1.1 million international students enrolled during the 2023-2024 academic year are anxious about the potential impact of Trump’s policies, particularly given his past implementation of travel bans.
Several universities, including the University of Southern California (USC), with over 17,000 international students, have advised students to return to campus a week before the January 20th inauguration. This preemptive measure is driven by fears of renewed travel restrictions, echoing the disruptions caused by similar bans during Trump’s previous term.
While India and China are not currently listed as target countries for potential travel bans, universities like Cornell have warned that this could change. This is particularly concerning given the significant number of Indian students studying in the US – surpassing China with 330,000 enrolled in 2023-2024.
Trump’s past pronouncements on immigration policy have fueled the apprehension. He has previously proposed expanding travel bans to include citizens from Muslim-majority countries and revoking visas for individuals deemed anti-American or antisemitic. However, he has also suggested a potential pathway to green cards for international graduates, pending Congressional approval.
The uncertainty surrounding these proposals has prompted universities to take a cautious approach. Many are providing updates and support to international students, helping them navigate the complexities of potential policy changes. The coming weeks will be crucial, as the international student community waits to see how Trump’s policies will impact their studies and future in the United States.
First Piper 