International students at Northeastern University are raising concerns about the potential impacts of the Trump administration’s policies on their education and future in the United States.
Masliah, a student majoring in political science and philosophy, emphasized the significant role international students play in higher education, stating, “We [international students] are a big part of higher education in this country. And it’s time to show it.”
As the 2023-24 school year progresses, Northeastern University stands second in the nation for international student enrollment, following New York University, according to the Open Doors report.
Northeastern has over 20,000 international students enrolled across its campuses globally, making up 16 percent of its undergraduate student body. This demographic is vital for many institutions as international students often pay full tuition and are ineligible for most forms of financial aid.
A recent report by NAFSA: Association of International Educators highlighted the economic contributions of international students, revealing that 1.1 million students added $43.8 billion to the U.S. economy and supported over 378,000 jobs during the last academic year.
In Massachusetts alone, international students contribute $3.9 billion to the local economy and support nearly 36,000 jobs. Nowadays, ongoing discussions about possible policy shifts under the new Trump administration raise apprehensions within the international student community.
Northeastern’s spokesperson, Renata Nyul, addressed such concerns but refrained from commenting on hypothetical scenarios. “Northeastern continues to be a destination for students from all over the world,” she noted, emphasizing the resources available for international students.
With Trump returning to the presidency in January, a wave of changes in the realm of higher education, including research funding cuts and stricter visa regulations for international students, has been observed.
Masliah describes Trump’s targeting of international students at Harvard University as a “big turning point,” urging international students to unite against these administrative attempts to reshape higher education.
He shared, “It’s this intrinsic pull toward this country — to innovate, to dream, to be creative. International students really believe in that vision of America.”
Chris Ambriz, a junior engineering major from Haiti, echoed similar sentiments, expressing his desire to contribute positively to the community. “I’m here to get a better life and contribute to America,” he articulated, highlighting the potential benefits that international students can bring to the U.S. economy.
Sudarshan Venkat, a graduate student from India studying biotechnology, expressed gratitude for the opportunities he has encountered in the U.S., which are not available in his home country.
He asserted that admissions should be based on students’ “qualifications and experiences,” echoing the belief that a diverse student body enriches educational environments.
Another student, identified only as Muna from Nigeria, voiced initial fears regarding the policies targeting international students. While he felt anxious when he first heard about the situation at Harvard, he noted that his concerns diminished when he realized that Trump seems to focus primarily on Harvard, which has publicly pledged to defend its position against federal overreach.
Muna also highlighted that, unlike Harvard, Northeastern hasn’t drawn significant attention from the Trump administration, a factor that raises questions about whether the university should take a stronger stance against such federal actions.
“I wish they [Northeastern] actually would do a bit more” to stand up against the administration, Muna remarked, sharing his concerns about the potential ramifications for international students at his institution.
Aarugh Singh, a computer science student from Connecticut, shared similar thoughts, noting the seemingly personal vendetta Trump has against Harvard, while suggesting the administration appears less focused on Northeastern.
Singh expressed hope that policies targeting international students wouldn’t extend to Northeastern, indicating a collective desire among students for a supportive environment.
Meanwhile, Arianna Manzon, a business administration and design major from Dallas, shared her evolving perspective on the issue. Conversations with friends about the struggles facing Harvard’s international students prompted her to consider participating in protests advocating for the rights of international scholars.
“The administration is attacking something so close to home,” she said emphatically, recognizing the urgency of standing up for the rights and opportunities of international students at U.S. institutions.
Another Northeastern student expressed optimism, suggesting that the planned actions against Harvard might face legal challenges, noting that a federal judge in Boston has already issued temporary orders halting such measures.
“In the end, it’ll all come around,” Julia, a chemical engineering student from New Jersey, predicted, reflecting a sense of hope amidst uncertainty.
Valentina Campos, a visiting student from Costa Rica studying at Rutgers University, also voiced her opposition to Trump’s attempts to limit international student enrollment.
“I don’t like it at all,” she stated. “It’s selfish of him to try to take that away from other people.”
As discussions continue, the community at Northeastern University remains vigilant and hopeful about protecting the opportunities available to international students.
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