With the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on the horizon, colleges and universities across the United States are urging international students to return to campus as quickly as possible. The need for this precautionary measure arises from fears of impending immigration policy changes similar to those implemented during Trump’s first presidential term.
The University of Southern California (USC), home to approximately 17,000 international students, has issued direct recommendations to its students, advising them to return from their winter breaks before January 20. Citing the executive orders from early 2017, when Trump first took office, USC officials warned of potential complications surrounding re-entry to the United States. "This is new territory, and students on F or J visas need to get back to the United States as quickly as possible," echoed immigration attorney Eric Lee, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
The urgency expressed by USC is echoed by the University of Massachusetts Amherst, which also informed its students through social media about the importance of returning to campus before the inauguration. Their advisory is framed as being "out of an abundance of caution" to prevent travel disruptions akin to those seen following similar measures during Trump’s initial term.
At Colorado College, officials have reached out to students on F-1 and J-1 visas, reminding them to return before January 20, when Trump is expected to take office again. College spokesperson Alexa Gromko elaborated on the institution's commitment to its international students during this uneasy time. “We have been in touch with our international students,” she stated, reinforcing the college's proactive stance.
The backdrop of these advisories is significant: Trump's campaign pledges included potential mass deportations and increased immigration enforcement. During his first term, he signed orders banning individuals from several predominantly Muslim countries from entering the U.S., impacting over 40,000 people, including international students and faculty. Gromko noted, “We’re watching closely for any immigration changes impacting F-1 and J-1 students and will continue to work with our campus partners.”
Similarly, Cornell University has alerted its international community by directly contacting students and faculty from countries targeted with visa restrictions during Trump’s previous administration. The university’s advisory highlighted the likely changes to the immigration policy under Trump and the importance of students being present on U.S. soil before the transition occurs.
Among those issuing warnings are: Brown University, Northeastern University, Harvard, and prestigious institutes like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), each encouraging students to assess their travel plans carefully. Northeastern University has urged its students to return no later than January 6, to minimize disruptions to their studies or research due to potential new travel restrictions.
Even with all these institutional advisories, not all are viewing it as mandatory. The University of Massachusetts, for example, stressed their recommendations are not requirements and are not based on any U.S. government policies currently effective.
"It’s especially important to note this advice is precautionary," UMass officials reiterated, mindful of students’ fears over recent political rhetoric surrounding immigration. Many international students have built their lives and careers around the opportunity provided by U.S. higher education, contributing significantly to the economy—over $40 billion during the last academic year alone."
Despite the unease, the spirit of the university communities appears resilient. Institutions are making efforts to nurture the mental well-being of their international populations. Colorado College emphasized their support, stating, "We want our international students here, and there are people speaking up for them and advocating for their needs."
The broader impact of these advisories must also be understood within the historical lens of immigration policy shifts under the Trump administration. Should the new president choose to reinstate or create similar barriers as seen previously—bans against nations or policies aimed at "illegal migrants"—the stakes for international students could become painfully high. The repercussions may not only affect the students but also the academic institutions relying on their diversity and contributions.
While many universities are awaiting the incoming administration's direction on immigration, they remain proactive, emphasizing the importance of returning to the U.S. during this pivotal period. Officials remind students to stay informed and prepared, marking another chapter for overseas students amid rapidly shifting political landscapes.
