U.S. Colleges Encourage International Students to Return Before Trump’s Inauguration

On January 20, Donald Trump will take the oath of office, officially becoming the 47th President of the United States. The president-elect has confirmed that he intends to sign multiple executive orders on his first day in office, focusing on critical issues such as the economy and immigration. These actions are expected to lay the groundwork for his administration’s policy agenda and signal his determination to deliver on campaign commitments.

New York: As Donald Trump prepares to take office as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, American universities have issued travel advisories for international students and staff, urging them to return before his inauguration. Concerns over potential travel bans and immigration changes under the new administration have prompted this cautionary move.

Trump has announced plans to sign several executive orders on key issues, including the economy and immigration, immediately upon taking office. These anticipated changes have raised fears of disruptions, particularly for international travelers.

Data from the US Department of State and the Institute of International Education reveal that India and China account for over half (54%) of the international student population in the United States, highlighting the broad impact of potential policy shifts.

Top universities aim to ensure their international community is prepared and secure ahead of any administrative changes that could affect travel or visa status.

For the first time since 2009, India has become the leading country of origin for international students in the United States, with 331,602 students in the 2023/2024 academic year, a 23% increase from the previous year, according to the Open Doors 2024 Report on International Educational Exchange. China, despite a 4% decline, ranked second with 277,398 students but continued to lead in undergraduate and non-degree enrollments, sending 87,551 and 5,517 students, respectively.

Amid these shifts, U.S. universities are issuing travel advisories to international students, urging caution ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025. David Elwell, Associate Dean and Director at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) International Students Office, warned that changes in federal administration could lead to new policies affecting higher education, immigration, and visa matters. He advised students to carefully evaluate their travel plans over the winter break, noting that executive orders issued by Trump could impact travel and visa processing.

Elwell highlighted additional concerns about delays at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad during the transition, which could complicate entry visa processing. “Students applying for a new entry visa to return to the U.S. should assess the risk of extensive processing times and have a contingency plan,” Elwell said. “Any delays could affect their ability to return as scheduled.”

The University of Massachusetts, Amherst, echoed this sentiment, advising its international community—including students, scholars, and faculty under UMass immigration sponsorship—to consider returning to the U.S. before January 20. While not a mandate, the university emphasized the advisory was a precautionary measure based on previous disruptions during Trump’s first term in 2017, when a travel ban targeted nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries, causing widespread outcry and logistical challenges.

The Wesleyan Argus, Wesleyan University’s student newspaper, reported that the institution’s Office of International Student Affairs has been evaluating the potential impacts of the incoming administration on both international and undocumented students. An email to F-1 visa holders urged them to return to the U.S. by January 19 to avoid difficulties re-entering the country, citing uncertainties surrounding Trump’s immigration policies.

During his first term, Trump signed an executive order within a week of taking office in 2017 that banned nationals from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen for 90 days. The move led to widespread disruptions and drew criticism from civil rights organizations. As concerns mount over similar policies in his second term, universities are prioritizing the safety and stability of their international communities.

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Source - NDTV‍