During a break from his Ph.D. studies, an international student at the University of California, San Diego, reconsidered a planned trip to Hawaii with friends. Concerned about the risk of losing legal status like other international students in the U.S., the student decided to avoid any travel, even within the country.
The student, who requested anonymity to avoid drawing attention to themselves, expressed a desire to minimize interactions with governmental authorities.
International students are increasingly hesitant about traveling to see family, take vacations, or conduct research due to a heightened sense of vulnerability caused by the Trump administration’s policies. Even before visa terminations became prevalent, some universities advised international students and faculty to delay travel. This was due to concerns about deportations linked to pro-Palestinian activism. As awareness of visa revocations has grown, more schools are recommending against non-essential international travel.
The University of California, Berkeley, recently highlighted the risks associated with international travel given the stringent enforcement and vetting processes. Since the end of March, at least 1,220 students at 187 academic institutions have lost their visas or legal status, according to a review that includes official university statements and court records. However, the real number might be substantially higher. A government response from Immigration and Customs Enforcement on April 10 indicated that records for 4,736 international students had been terminated in a database that tracks their legal status.
Faced with possible deportation, some students have chosen to hide or voluntarily leave the U.S. Many were left puzzled about the removal of their legal status, pointing to minor infractions or a lack of understanding regarding their situation. Federal judges reviewing some cases flagged due process concerns, prompting the government to reverse some status terminations. Yet, the government subsequently introduced guidelines that broadened the reasons for revoking legal status. Under this updated policy, status can be terminated if the visa a student used to enter the U.S. is revoked. Previously, a revoked visa meant students could remain in the U.S. to complete their studies but wouldn’t be able to return if they left the country.
Colleges are now wrestling with how best to advise their international students. An employee at a Michigan college, speaking anonymously, noted an uptick in inquiries regarding summer travel among international students, without being able to provide definitive guidance.
Approximately 1.1 million international students were enrolled at U.S. institutions last year, a vital source of tuition. Advocates fear that crackdown efforts will diminish the U.S.’s appeal as a destination for higher education. Recently, Rishi Oza’s immigration law firm in North Carolina has received consistent calls about travel risks from people with various immigration statuses, including international students.
Oza emphasized the need for students on visas in the U.S. to critically evaluate the necessity of their travel plans. When returning to the U.S., they should have immigration documents, academic transcripts, and any relevant legal paperwork if applicable. However, Oza warned of the uncertainty at points of entry, as outcomes are unpredictable.
One international student at the University of Illinois has been particularly affected, witnessing a classmate depart the country after losing their legal status. This student, who also sought anonymity, has refrained from drawing attention. Although travel to Asia is imminent, anxiety persists about potential entry issues upon returning to the U.S. Despite already securing a flight, the student remains apprehensive about the risks involved. “Right now,” he lamented, “I’m afraid I might not be able to come back.”