As summer approaches, universities across the United States are advising international students to think twice before traveling abroad. This caution comes in the wake of the Trump administration’s recent announcement regarding the restoration of legal status to students who previously had it revoked.
The University of California, Berkeley, reiterated its stance hours after the administration’s announcement, emphasizing that international travel remains fraught with risks due to the ever-evolving nature of immigration policies.
Many institutions, including Duke University, have cautioned their international communities, highlighting the possibility that students may be barred from re-entry into the U.S. upon their return. Duke officials issued a memo stating, “Due to the increased risks involved in re-entering into the United States, we are advising members of the Duke international community to avoid international travel unless essential. A valid visa does not guarantee entry to the U.S.”
This latest policy shift follows a wave of visa terminations affecting thousands of international students, leading to increased anxiety within these communities. Despite the recent restoration of visas, immigration experts, such as Jeff Joseph, president-elect of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, continue to advocate for caution.
“Traveling outside of the country can be risky,” Joseph remarked, encouraging international students to seek legal counsel before making travel decisions. He stressed that the Department of State holds the unilateral authority to revoke visas without explanation.
While it remains unclear how many universities have issued similar warnings, at least five campuses have communicated concerns to their international student populations in recent weeks.
Reflecting on the current climate, a recent college graduate from China residing in Washington, D.C., shared his apprehensions about returning home last December. Given the impending inauguration of then-President-elect Donald Trump, who campaigned on a platform of reducing immigration, the graduate feared he would face difficulties returning to the U.S. despite his legal status. He ultimately decided to book a flight back before the inauguration.
Many international students face a difficult choice, balancing the desire to visit family after long separations with the potential risks associated with re-entering the U.S. Fanta Aw, CEO of the Association of International Educators, noted, “You have to understand what students are going through, and they may want to go home.”
The recent actions by the Trump administration have impacted thousands of students. Officials claimed the measures were necessary to safeguard U.S. citizens from perceived threats, including terrorism and other forms of national insecurity. However, many students affected by visa revocations reportedly did not engage in political protests or activities that would warrant such actions.
In a statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that over 300 student visas had been revoked, revealing a troubling trend targeting foreign-born students, particularly those who may have demonstrated activism.
Legal experts continue to urge international students to remain in the United States, stressing the precarious nature of their situation. Joseph concluded, “Stay here, no question. If you leave, the only remedy you have is to go to the Department of State and get a new visa, but when you’re outside the country, you don’t have the same protections of the courts that you do when inside the country.”
As discussions about immigration policy evolve, international students are left to navigate an uncertain environment as they weigh their options.
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