A recent crackdown on international students in the United States has led many to reconsider their summer travel plans. The Trump administration’s strict policies have created a sense of vulnerability among international students, causing them to think twice about traveling within the US or abroad.
Many international students are hesitant to travel due to the risk of losing their legal status. At least 1,220 students at 187 colleges and universities have had their visas revoked or legal status terminated since late March. The number of affected students is likely much higher, with at least 4,736 international students’ visa records terminated in a government database.
In response to the crackdown, many universities have issued advisories cautioning international students against non-essential travel. The University of California, Berkeley, has warned students that upcoming international travel is risky due to “strict vetting and enforcement.” Other universities have also encouraged international students to postpone travel, citing government efforts to deport students involved in certain activities.
The US government has issued new guidance expanding the reasons international students can lose their legal status. Valid reasons for status termination now include the revocation of the visas students used to enter the US. This policy change has left many students feeling uncertain and vulnerable.
The crackdown has had a significant impact on international students. Many have gone into hiding, while others have left the country on their own. Some students have reported minor infractions on their records or don’t know why their records were removed. The unpredictability of the situation has caused distress and anxiety among international students.
Immigration lawyers are advising international students to exercise caution when traveling. Rishi Oza, an immigration law firm in North Carolina, has received calls about travel risks almost daily from people of varied immigration status, including international students. Oza advises students to bring immigration documents, school transcripts, and even court documents if they were charged with a crime and the court dismissed the case.
The situation has left many international students feeling uncertain and fearful. One student at the University of Illinois has laid low since one of his classmates left the country after their legal status was terminated. The student has a plane ticket to travel to his home country in Asia, but he’s anxious about what could happen when he returns.
The crackdown is likely to hurt America’s appeal as a destination for international students. Last year, the US hosted around 1.1 million international students, a source of essential tuition revenue at many schools. Advocates say that number is likely to shrink as the crackdown continues.
The visa crackdown has created a sense of uncertainty and fear among international students in the US. Many are reconsidering their summer travel plans due to the risk of losing their legal status. Universities are issuing advisories, and lawyers are offering guidance to help students navigate the situation. However, the impact of the crackdown on America’s appeal as a destination for international students remains to be seen.
