Universities across the U.S. are cautioning international students against summer travel abroad due to concerns about changing immigration policies under the Trump administration. Following an announcement that visas would be restored for those previously revoked, institutions like UC Berkeley and Duke University issued advisories highlighting the high risks associated with re-entering the U.S. Many warned that merely possessing a valid visa does not guarantee entry.
Jeff Joseph, president-elect of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, emphasized the importance of caution, reminding students that the Department of State has unilateral authority to revoke visas at any time. While the exact number of campuses issuing warnings is unclear, five major universities have alerted their international communities about the potential risks.
Amid these uncertainties, students are grappling with tough decisions. A recent Chinese graduate in Washington, D.C. shared his anxiety about returning home, fearing he might face entry barriers upon his return to the U.S. He ultimately chose to fly back before Trump’s inauguration to avoid potential complications.
Fanta Aw, CEO of the Association of International Educators, acknowledged the stress faced by international students, many of whom have not seen their families for years. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has implemented visa revocations citing national security concerns, particularly targeting international students involved in activism, despite many claiming that they hadn’t participated in protests or posed any threats.
Joseph strongly advised against traveling, noting that students outside the U.S. would face significant challenges in regaining their visa status. As travel decisions loom, international students are urged to navigate carefully amidst an unpredictable immigration landscape.
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