US universities are strongly encouraging international students and staff to return to campus before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration in January. This recommendation comes amid concerns over Trump’s potential plans for mass deportations, especially for the more than 400,000 undocumented students enrolled in US higher education.
According to a report by the BBC, the University of Massachusetts has issued a travel advisory to its international students and faculty, suggesting that they consider returning to campus from winter break before Trump officially takes office on January 20. The university’s Office of Global Affairs emphasized that this advisory is not a requirement from UMass, nor is it based on any current US government policy or recommendation.
Given the possibility of new policies being enacted by a new presidential administration, the university is taking precautions to prevent any potential travel disruptions for its international community. Undergraduate international students living on-campus will be allowed to move back in early if necessary.
Other universities such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Wesleyan University have also issued similar travel advisories, urging students and staff to return to the US before inauguration day. At Yale University, the Office of International Students and Scholars held a webinar to address concerns from students about potential shifts in immigration policy, including those protected by DACA.
Ozan Say, the director of the Office of International Students and Scholars at Yale, expressed uncertainty about the new Congress passing sweeping immigration laws. He believes that changes in immigration policy are more likely to occur through executive orders and government agencies rather than legislative reforms.
Say also discussed the potential changes in the approval process of the H-1B visa, highlighting concerns about a more restrictive, “elite” route that could prioritize only the highest-paid categories. He emphasized the importance of providing support to students and scholars as they navigate their immigration pathways in the face of uncertainty.
Professor Chloe East from the University of Colorado Denver echoed the sentiment of international students feeling overwhelmed and stressed due to the uncertainty surrounding immigration policies. Students, especially those from Asia, are concerned about the implications of US-China relations under the new administration.
In conclusion, universities are prioritizing the safety and well-being of their international students and staff by issuing travel advisories and providing support during this uncertain time. It is crucial to ensure that all members of the international community feel welcomed and supported, regardless of any potential policy changes that may occur.
