In an unprecedented turn of events, thousands of Latin American students aspiring to pursue their academic dreams in the United States are grappling with increased uncertainty and anxiety due to the recent policies implemented by Donald Trump’s administration.
The ongoing attacks on universities have left many feeling targeted not just for their academic ambitions but also for their Latino identity.
Just last week, the U.S. administration ordered all embassies to cancel student visa interviews, adding to the confusion and fear already prevalent among prospective international students.
The situation has created a bleak atmosphere for those who had hoped to study in what is often regarded as the world’s premier educational landscape.
In the 2023-2024 academic year, foreign students made up a significant portion of the 1.1 million individuals studying at American universities, but Trump’s administration appears intent on reducing that number as part of a broader agenda against immigration and higher education.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stirred controversy by stating that the country needs more tradespeople and fewer graduate students in fields perceived as less practical, lamenting the presence of “LGBTQ graduate majors from Harvard University.”
Manuel Beltrán, a 28-year-old student from Colombia, is one of many who had once felt privileged to secure a place at Columbia University.
For him, the venture represents not only his own ambitions but also the dreams of his family back home.
Having invested over a year in preparation, faced numerous hurdles, and navigated the financial implications with his parents, he believed that studying in the U.S. would open doors for his future career in public administration upon returning to Colombia.
However, as his departure approaches, the excitement has been replaced by a pervasive anxiety.
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