Universities across the United States are urging international students to return before the presidential inauguration on Jan. 20, amidst fears that President-elect Donald Trump may reinstate travel bans on certain countries.
Universities Issue Warnings
Major institutions, including New York University (NYU), Cornell University, and the University of Southern California, have advised their students to expedite their return. NYU, which hosts the largest number of foreign students, highlighted concerns over potential visa and travel restrictions during the transition period.
Travel Advisory for International Students
Cornell University’s Office of Global Learning recommended students traveling abroad to return by Jan. 21, the start of the spring semester. The advisory emphasized consulting with travel advisors and preparing for possible delays.
The university warned last month that “a travel ban is likely to go into effect soon after inauguration.”
Potential Expansion of Targeted Countries
Reports suggest the travel ban could include nations targeted during Trump’s first administration, such as Iran, Libya, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen, while also potentially adding China and India to the list.
Impact on International Students
During Trump’s first presidency, a similar travel restriction left thousands of students stranded abroad. International students typically hold nonimmigrant visas for studying in the US but lack a legal pathway to permanent residency.
The Bigger Picture
Trump’s campaign rhetoric focused on tightening immigration and reinstating travel bans that President Biden revoked in 2021.
According to Open Doors, a State Department-backed data project, over 1.1 million international students enrolled in US universities during the 2023-24 academic year. Indian students lead these numbers, followed by Chinese and South Korean students, with Indian and Chinese nationals accounting for over half of the total.
As uncertainties grow, universities aim to minimize disruptions for students, ensuring their return to campus amid potential policy changes.
