As the United States prepares for Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President on January 20, 2025, several leading universities have issued advisories urging their international students and staff to return to the country before the swearing-in. Concerns over potential travel bans and immigration policy changes have prompted institutions to take proactive measures.
Concerns over travel disruptions
During his first term in 2017, Trump signed an executive order within his first week in office, barring nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the US. This caused widespread travel disruptions and drew criticism from civil rights groups. With Trump’s return to the presidency, universities fear a repeat of similar actions that could affect international students.
David Elwell, Associate Dean and Director at the International Students Office at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), highlighted the uncertainty surrounding administrative transitions:
“With every federal administration change, there can be shifts in policies, regulations, and legislation impacting higher education, immigration, and visa matters.”
Elwell urged students to carefully consider travel plans during the winter break, noting the risk of delays in visa processing at US embassies and consulates abroad.
“Processing delays could affect students’ ability to return to the US as planned. Having a backup plan is essential for those needing new visas,” he added.
University advisories
The University of Massachusetts, Amherst, through its Office of Global Affairs, issued a similar recommendation. While stressing that the advisory is not a mandate, the university encouraged members of its international community to return to the US before January 20.
“We cannot speculate on what a potential travel ban may entail or which countries might be affected,” the advisory noted, adding that the cautionary message aims to prevent disruptions to academic schedules.
Similarly, Wesleyan University has been actively evaluating the potential impact of a second Trump administration on its international and undocumented students. An email sent to international students under F-1 visas recommended they be physically present in the US on January 19, 2025, to avoid potential issues with re-entry.
Growing uncertainty
According to the Wesleyan Argus, the university’s newspaper, the Office of International Student Affairs has expressed concerns about sweeping policy changes.
“Much uncertainty surrounds the possible changes to American immigration policy that could be enacted by the Trump administration,” the report stated.
International students in the US
The United States remains a global hub for higher education, with international students playing a significant role in its academic ecosystem. According to the Open Doors 2024 Report on International Educational Exchange, India has overtaken China as the leading country of origin for international students in the US.
For the academic year 2023/2024:
- India accounted for 331,602 students, reflecting a 23% year-on-year increase.
- China, despite a 4% decline, sent 277,398 students.
These two nations alone constitute over half of all international students in the United States.
Trump’s first-day agenda
Trump has announced plans to sign multiple executive orders on his first day in office, focusing on immigration and the economy. Given the precedence set during his previous term, concerns about sudden policy changes are not unfounded.
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In 2017, Trump’s travel ban targeted seven Muslim-majority nations—Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen—causing chaos at airports and sparking protests nationwide.
Calls for preparedness
Universities are keen to ensure their international students avoid similar disruptions. By encouraging them to remain in the US or return before the inauguration, institutions aim to mitigate risks to students’ academic pursuits.
The efforts underscore the critical role international students play in the US higher education landscape and the broader cultural and economic contributions they bring. However, the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s policies leaves many with difficult choices as they navigate this transitional period.
As January 20 approaches, universities and students alike are bracing for potential challenges while hoping for a smoother path forward in the coming academic term.
