With President-elect Donald Trump set to take office on January 20, 2025, anxiety is mounting among international students and university communities and stakeholders. Fears of travel disruptions, visa complications, and policy shifts echo concerns from Trump’s first term, leaving students and institutions preparing for a potentially rocky transition.
A familiar unease: Universities advise students to return early
The University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) has joined at least two other institutions in issuing advisories urging international students, scholars, and staff to return to the U.S. before Trump’s inauguration. A travel advisory from the Office of Global Affairs notes:
“This advisory is made out of an abundance of caution… given that a new presidential administration can enact new policies on their first day in office…”
While UMass Amherst emphasized that the advisory is not mandatory, it stems from historical precedent. Trump’s 2017 travel ban, enacted during his first term, is a stark reminder of the sudden and sweeping policy changes a new administration can implement.
Other universities, including Wesleyan University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), have issued similar guidance. Wesleyan’s Office of International Student Affairs advised students to remain in the U.S. during the transition period to avoid potential difficulties, while MIT highlighted the possibility of executive orders affecting visa issuance and embassy operations abroad.
Flashback to 2017: What’s the worry?
Trump’s first term was marked by immigration policies that profoundly disrupted international students’ lives. In January 2017, just seven days into his presidency, Trump signed an executive order barring travelers from seven predominantly Muslim countries. The ban, which later expanded to include nations like Venezuela and North Korea, caused chaos at airports and left students and faculty stranded abroad.
At UMass Dartmouth, two faculty members with permanent resident status were detained at Boston’s Logan International Airport for hours before being released. The university, along with others, had to step in to assist affected individuals.
The fear of similar policies being implemented again looms large. During his presidency, Trump also proposed reducing the duration of student visas from four years to two—a policy eventually reversed by the Biden administration. For international students, the unpredictability of such decisions created an environment of constant uncertainty.
Trump’s earlier policies: When chaos met COVID
Trump’s immigration policies collided with the COVID-19 pandemic, amplifying challenges for international students. In 2020, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced a controversial rule denying visas to students whose classes were moved entirely online. The policy faced backlash, leading to lawsuits from Harvard University and MIT. Although the rule was rescinded, it underscored the precarious position of international students during volatile political and global events.
A system on edge: Preparing for the unknown
Universities across the U.S. are now doubling down on efforts to protect their international communities. They are pledging to challenge potentially disruptive policies, offer legal support, and ensure students are informed. However, the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s immigration approach has many preparing for the worst.
For institutions, the stakes are high. International students contribute not only to campus diversity but also to local economies. According to a recent Open Doors survey, international enrollments rose by 3% in Fall 2024, with further growth projected for 2025. Protecting this pipeline is crucial for universities and their communities.
Hope amid uncertainty
While Trump’s past policies and rhetoric have left many uneasy, universities remain steadfast in their support for international students. Institutions are leveraging lessons learned from the previous administration, offering proactive advisories, and reiterating their commitment to inclusivity.
As January 20 approaches, the academic community braces itself for potential disruptions, but with hopes for a smoother path forward. The resilience of international students and the solidarity of their universities will undoubtedly play a vital role in navigating the uncertainties of the months to come.
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