Fear and uncertainty are gripping many U.S. college campuses as President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his January 20 inauguration. With promises of hardline immigration policies, international students are particularly anxious about what the future holds.
During the 2023-24 academic year, over 1.1 million international students are enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities. Trump has pledged to implement stricter immigration measures, including the expansion of his earlier travel ban on predominantly Muslim countries and the potential revocation of student visas held by individuals deemed "radical anti-American and antisemitic."
Pramath Pratap Misra, 23, an Indian student and graduate of New York University, expressed his concerns: "It’s a scary time for international students." NYU, which boasts the highest number of international students—over 27,000—among U.S. universities, reflects the anxiety felt nationwide.
Colleges, from New York to California, are adjusting their guidance for students. Some universities, concerned about possible disruptions during finals week leading up to the winter break, have advised international students to return early from their breaks.
Cornell University’s Office of Global Learning issued warnings last month, stating: "A travel ban is likely to go to effect soon after inauguration." The potential ban could affect citizens from countries targeted during Trump's initial term, which include Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, and Syria, and may even extend to new countries such as China and India.
At the University of Southern California (USC), where over 17,000 international students study, administrators recommended their students return to the U.S. by January 6. They cautioned against making future travel plans and suggested contacting advisors if students had to travel overseas.
Trump's rhetoric surrounding immigration has also raised alarms outside the academic realms. During his presidential campaign, he promised “mass deportations,” and his earlier comments about unauthorized immigrants suggested he envisages stringent measures affecting various industries, from agriculture to hospitality.
Trump’s proposal to offer green cards automatically to foreign nationals graduating from U.S. colleges seems less clear now, as his campaign hinted at restricting eligibility to only the “most skilled graduates.”
Regarding privacy matters, after the election, the UCLA Center for Immigration Law and Policy assured students their immigration status would remain confidential and highlighted the importance of legal protections around immigration enforcement on campus.
Amongst students studying at these universities, those from countries often highlighted by Trump fear the most for their future. Gabrielle Balreira Fontenelle Mota, 21, hailing from Brazil and studying journalism at NYU, remarked, "We’re very uncertain about the future." Despite not having roots in countries typically criticized by Trump, she expressed unease about ideological scrutiny he plans to impose.
NYU responded to student worries by emphasizing its commitment to international mobility and collaboration, promising to monitor immigration-related laws and potential impacts on its diverse student body.
On another front, the anticipated business environment under Trump's presidency raises the prospect of increased mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Market analysts predict a boom next year, citing cheaper funding opportunities and looser regulatory parameters adjacent to antitrust oversight due to Trump's administration.
Many high-profile deals had been stalled under the Biden administration, which took a tough stance on antitrust regulations. Now, with Trump's return to the White House, M&A activity is expected to surge, encouraging corporate leaders to dust off previously shelved merger plans. Morgan Stanley noted, "Confidence to do deals is returning" as the market conditions are favorable.
While business owners breathe relief amid political changes, there’s also trepidation over how military personnel will respond to potentially unconstitutional orders under Trump's command. The military is sworn to uphold the Constitution, which raises the question: what would they do if asked to carry out unlawful orders?
Veteran servicemen and women have shared this concern, especially after past instances where Trump threatened to deploy the military against citizen protesters. Discussions surrounding the military's oath reveal complex dilemmas about loyalty and legality. The U.S. military's first duty is to obey legal orders, meaning members are not obliged to follow commands perceived as unconstitutional.
Military professionals recognize the delicate balance of power they navigate between fulfilling oaths to the president and defending the Constitution. "The world is as gray and complex as our oaths are pure and simple," remarked one veteran reflecting on concerns about the future role of the military under Trump's leadership.
Overall, there is no shortage of uncertainty as the nation stands on the cusp of another potential Trump presidency. International students navigate fears of immigration policies, businesses anticipate economic volatility and transformation under new regulations, and military members ponder the ethical integrity of their service should they face unconstitutional directives. Each sector reflects broader anxieties about the shape the U.S. will take under Trump's leadership and the lasting impact his policy decisions could have on various aspects of American life.