US Universities Urge International Students to Return Before Trump’s Inauguration Amid Immigration Concerns

Several US universities are advising international students to return to campus before President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20, 2025, amid growing concerns over potential changes to immigration policies and travel restrictions.

Institutions such as the University of Massachusetts, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Wesleyan University have issued advisories to their international students and faculty, suggesting they return before the inauguration. These advisories highlight the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s proposed mass deportation plans and potential travel bans, referencing similar measures enacted during his first presidency.

At Yale University, the Office of International Students and Scholars held a webinar to address concerns related to immigration policy shifts under the incoming administration. Trump’s previous presidency saw the implementation of travel bans targeting nationals from several predominantly Muslim countries, as well as restrictions on student visas. These past actions have sparked anxiety within the higher education sector, raising questions about the future of international students’ mobility in the US.