International Students in the US Rethink Summer Travel Plans Amid Visa Crackdown

During a summer break from a Ph.D. program, an international student at the University of California, San Diego, planned to visit Hawaii with friends. However, news of fellow international students losing their legal status made the student hesitant to travel. The risk felt too high.

“I’d rather avoid any government interactions,” the student said, wishing to remain anonymous due to concerns about possible repercussions.

Many international students are reconsidering travel plans, whether to see family, take a vacation, or conduct research. The tightening of immigration rules under the Trump administration has left students feeling vulnerable. Even before public reports of students losing their status, some colleges urged international students to postpone travel, especially those involved in activism.

For instance, the University of California, Berkeley recently warned students about the risks of traveling abroad, citing “strict vetting and enforcement.”

Since late March, at least 1,220 students across 187 universities have had their visas revoked, according to an Associated Press review. Yet, the real number might be over 4,736 based on government database records. Many students faced sudden deportation risks, going into hiding or leaving the U.S. voluntarily. Some were bewildered, having only minor infractions or no clear reason for losing their status.

After judges raised concerns about due process, the government reversed some terminations but set new rules, making it easier for international students to lose their status. Under the revised policy, even visa revocations can now lead to status termination. This marks a significant shift from past practices, where students could stay until graduation, though they couldn’t return if they left.

This evolving landscape has left colleges scrambling to support their students. A Michigan college staff member noted increased inquiries about summer travel risks, often with insufficient guidance to provide.

In 2022, the U.S. welcomed about 1.1 million international students, a critical source of revenue for many universities. However, advocates warn that the ongoing crackdown could deter potential students from coming to the U.S.

Rishi Oza, an immigration attorney in North Carolina, sees a surge in calls from students worried about travel risks. “It’s concerning that people feel scared to leave and uncertain about returning,” he remarked. Oza stresses that students need to assess whether their trips are essential and always carry documents that support their immigration status when returning. But, he cautions, the outcome at the airport can be unpredictable.

This uncertainty has caused significant anxiety for students. One student at the University of Illinois, who also chose to remain anonymous, shared how he felt distressed since a classmate lost their status after traveling. Though he plans to travel home to Asia, anxiety over his potential inability to return looms large.

“Right now, I’m really concerned I might not get back,” he expressed.

This situation illustrates a growing crisis for international students in the U.S., echoing past fears during turbulent immigration periods. As policies evolve, the impact on students’ lives continues to deepen.

For further insights on the current state of immigration policies, visit the [American Council on Education](https://www.acenet.edu), a trusted source in higher education matters.

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