Vani Jha
Students of international backgrounds all over the United States have expressed anxiety following the return of former President Donald Trump to the White House after winning the 2024 election. The Trump 2.0 has brought worry into America as the student groups of various societal backgrounds fear the effects of upcoming policy changes on studying and living in America.
This has reportedly sparked student action, including protests and demonstrations. According to Fox News, student groups plan events to express their views on upcoming policy changes.
Stringent measures of immigration, such as visa restrictions, travel bans, and policies directed at undocumented immigrants, marked the first term of President Trump. All of these had a direct influence on international students. Many international students are worried that the administration of Trump 2.0 will continue or expand them, thereby creating a state of uncertainty on US college campuses.
Over 4 lakh undocumented students’ future uncertain by Trump
Another major source of stress for students is the fate of the DACA program, which protects undocumented immigrants who were brought to the US as children from deportation. DACA was challenged repeatedly during Trump’s first term, and many fear that the new administration will try to abolish the program altogether.
Reportedly, more than 4,00,000 undocumented college students in the United States face uncertain futures under the incoming administration. This population suffers from higher stress levels due to changes in laws like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and deportation fear.
42% of international students are unlikely to consider US as study abroad option
In the 2023-24 academic session, Indian students comprised the largest group of international students in the United States. As per the Open Doors 2024 report, over 3 lakh Indian students now study in the US, accounting for 29.4% of its 11 lakh international student population.
However, Trump’s immigration policies and political ideologies have made the US a far less appealing destination for foreign students. According to a Keystone Education Group survey, 42% of students from various countries are now unlikely to consider the US as a study abroad option, India Today said.
Another major source of anxiety for students is the fate of the DACA program, which protects undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children against deportation. During Trump’s first presidency, DACA was repeatedly challenged, and many feel the new administration will try to dismantle the program altogether. This would affect over 4,00,000 undocumented students, leaving them vulnerable to deportation and ending their ability to work or study in the U.S.
Concerns for transgender students
Transgender students are concerned about the possibility of losing protections such as access to gender-affirming healthcare and rights within educational institutions.
Concerns about the weakening or deletion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which promote inclusive campus environments, have created uneasiness among underrepresented groups. The possibility of heightened social tensions and decreased institutional support has an impact on campus life, making students especially vulnerable during this political change.
There is always a silver lining, though: STEM fields are not the worst. Sonal Kapoor, Prodigy Finance’s global chief commercial officer mentioned the positive history of the Trump administration’s support for STEM graduates whose skills comply with the US labour.
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Conclusion
The return of Donald Trump to the White House has undeniably stirred apprehension among international and undocumented students in the U.S. From fears of visa restrictions and DACA abolishment to concerns over DEI policies and transgender rights, students are grappling with an uncertain future. However, amidst the challenges, opportunities remain in areas like STEM education, which continues to hold promise for global talent. The new political landscape will require fostering dialogue and creating supportive networks to help students navigate the turbulent times ahead.