International students in the US may alter their summer travel plans due to tightened visa restrictions.
A Change in Travel Plans for International Students
Amid the summer break, an overseas student pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of California, San Diego, had planned a trip to Hawaii with friends. Yet, the student decided against it after observing international students across the U.S. losing their legal status.
"I'm probably going to skip that to minimize as many interactions with governments as possible," the anonymous student shared.
The uncertainty surrounding travel, even within the U.S., has international students reconsidering their plans. This reevaluation stems from the Trump administration's crackdown, resulting in a heightened sense of vulnerability for these students.
In recent weeks, at least 1,220 students from 187 institutions nationwide have had their visas revoked or legal status terminated since late March[2][4]. Although the actual number may be higher, approximately 4,736 international students' visa records have been terminated in a federal database that tracks their legal status[4].
As a result of sudden deportation threats, some students went underground, while others chose to depart voluntarily. Many reported minor infractions or lacked knowledge regarding the removal of their records[4].
Initially, federal judges voiced concerns over due process, causing the U.S. government to reverse the terminations. However, the administration subsequently issued new guidance, expanding the reasons for legal status termination. Under the new policy, a valid reason includes the revocation of the visas students used to enter the U.S.[4] In the past, students whose visas were revoked could remain in the U.S. to complete their studies, but they could not return if they left the country.
The dynamic situation leaves colleges struggling to advise their students accordingly. A Michigan college employee who aids international students in navigating the visa process has seen a surge in queries about summer travel. The employee, who asked for anonymity for media reasons, often finds himself unable to provide satisfactory answers[4].
Last year, the U.S. welcomed approximately 1.1 million international students, a crucial source of tuition revenue for many educational institutions[1]. Advocates worry that this number will decline as the crackdown erodes America's appeal[4].
In North Carolina, immigration attorney Rishi Oza's firm receives daily calls about travel risks from people of diverse immigration backgrounds, including international students[4]. "It just seems that this isn't the character of the country we want," Oza commented[4]. "It's concerning that people are reluctant to travel due to fear of being denied re-entry."
Those with U.S. visas must weigh the necessity of their travels carefully. According to Oza, students should ensure they carry immigration documents, school transcripts, and court documents if they faced criminal charges but had their case dismissed[4]. Ultimately, lawyers cannot predict the outcome at the airport[4].
An international student at the University of Illinois finds himself in a predicament. Afraid of being targeted, he chose anonymity when discussing his plans to travel to his home country in Asia that summer. Despite his panic, he has already purchased a ticket and remains committed to the trip. Yet, his apprehension about returning and the potential obstacles he might encounter remains[4].
- Amidst the increased government scrutiny on international students, many are reconsidering travel plans, with some opting for self-imposed isolation to minimize interactions.
- The Trump administration's crackdown on international students has led to a spike in visa revocations and legal status terminations, causing a heightened sense of vulnerability.
- As a result of the new policy, international students must now weigh the risks and necessities of travel carefully, including carrying immigration documents, school transcripts, and court documents if they have faced criminal charges.
- The escalating political tensions and general news around international students' status are causing concern, with even students in General Education and Self-Development programs being affected in places like Seattle and North Carolina.
