US universities call students back to campus: Amid concerns over potential shifts in immigration policies following Donald Trump’s anticipated return to the White House, over a dozen US universities are advising international students to return to campus before the January 20, 2025, inauguration.
The looming threat of policy shifts
During his first term, Trump implemented a travel ban targeting several predominantly Muslim-majority countries, sparking chaos at airports and leaving thousands stranded. Although President Biden reversed the ban in 2021, Trump, during the elections had pledged to reinstate and expand it if reelected. Universities fear that the first days of his administration could bring swift executive orders affecting visa processing, travel bans, or other restrictions.
List of American universities issuing travel advisories
Many prestigious universities have issued advisories to their international students. Here’s a list of the institutions and their locations:
What the university advisories say
Universities issuing travel advisories have emphasized the urgency of returning to campus before January 20, underscoring the potential for sudden changes in immigration policies. Cornell University has been particularly vocal, advising students—especially those from countries previously affected by the 2017 travel ban—to plan their return before January 21.
Similarly, UMass Amherst framed its advisory as a precautionary step, pointing out the likelihood of new policies being enacted as early as the administration’s first day. Wesleyan University has taken a more cautious stance, recommending that students remain in the US during the transition period to avoid any disruptions in their ability to return to campus.
Institutions like MIT and the University of Southern California (USC) have also highlighted specific concerns. MIT noted the possibility of executive orders disrupting visa issuance and embassy operations abroad, while USC encouraged students to return at least a week before the inauguration to minimize the risks posed by sudden changes.
Why are US universities concerned?
Trump’s 2017 travel ban initially targeted seven Muslim-majority countries, later expanding to 15 nations, including Nigeria and Eritrea. Over 40,000 visa applications were denied under the policy. While the courts initially challenged the ban, a revised version was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. The sudden implementation caused confusion and delays, and universities are working to prevent a repeat of that scenario.
Public reactions have been mixed and polarized
The advisories urging international students to return before the inauguration have sparked a wide range of reactions, reflecting both concern and debate over their necessity. Some see the move as a cautious yet critical step, while others question its implications or oppose prioritizing international students.
One user, Hanako (@hanako049924187), encapsulated the prevailing anxiety by noting, “It’s a scary time… US universities urge international students to return to campus before Trump inauguration.” The sentiment highlights the pervasive uncertainty among students about what lies ahead.
Not everyone agrees with the urgency of the advisories. Rahul Gupta (@rahul_mayfair) questioned whether the warnings were overblown, commenting, “Does the educated elite truly believe Trump is so unpredictable as to jeopardize the status of existing international students?” His skepticism points to a broader debate about the necessity of preemptive measures and whether such actions set a troubling precedent.
Others took a more nationalist stance. A user identifying as DG (@DeSantis_Girl) criticized the focus on international students, stating, “American universities should be for Americans… Only after there are no more Americans seeking admission should a spot be handed to international students.” This view reflects a faction that believes domestic students should take precedence in higher education policies.
Meanwhile, practical advice emerged from individuals with firsthand experience. Sudeepa Kolli (@i_sudeepa), a Cornell graduate, warned students about potential scrutiny at US borders, advising them to “carry all required, up-to-date documents and bring additional paperwork, like proof of funding and a certificate of enrollment or transcript.” Such insights underline the real challenges students might face upon reentry.
What international students should consider doing
With Trump’s inauguration approaching, universities are advising international students to return to the US before January 20 to avoid potential disruptions. Students are urged to stay informed through official channels, prepare all necessary documentation, and expect possible delays in immigration processing. These advisories, while precautionary, reflect concerns over uncertainty in immigration policies, urging students to act early and be ready for challenges.
