Trump’s Policies Create Uncertainty for International Students in America
President Trump’s initial promise to grant green cards to foreign graduates has turned into a complex political landscape for international students. The administration has implemented severe restrictions that have left many students feeling anxious and insecure about their futures in the U.S. Stories from students like Markuss Saule, Avi, and Vladyslav Plyaka illustrate the personal toll of these changes, as they navigate uncertainty about their ability to remain in the country and pursue their education.
In a notable shift from his campaign promises, President Donald Trump’s administration has taken a much harsher stance toward foreign students in the U.S. Originally, Trump had proposed granting green cards to international students who graduate from American universities. “It’s so sad when we lose people from Harvard, MIT, from the greatest schools,” he stated during a podcast last year. Yet since then, the rhetoric and actual policies have drastically changed, leaving many international students in a state of fear and uncertainty.
International students now face a cloud of policies that seem to block their path to study in the U.S., ranging from the termination of student visas to an abrupt halt on new visa interviews. This has sparked numerous lawsuits, leaving international students feeling caught in an unfriendly crossfire of immigration and education reforms. Many report experiencing anxiety and insecurity, with some even canceling travel plans due to fears of re-entering the U.S.
Markuss Saule from Latvia is one student deeply affected by these changes. While returning to Brigham Young University-Idaho, he felt an overwhelming fear during his flight back. He furiously scrubbed his phone of anything that could be politically sensitive. “That whole 10-hour flight, where I was debating, ‘Will they let me in?’ — it definitely killed me a little bit,” Saule recounted. Once optimistic about his future in the U.S., he now says, “Those plans are not applicable anymore. Ask me now, and the plan is to leave this place as soon as possible.”
Avi, a 24-year-old physics major and engineer, echoes similar fears but for different reasons. He loves the U.S. and aspires to work at NASA, but the recent hostility toward foreign students has him mulling over whether to stay or return to India. “Do I risk seeing my family or risk deportation?” he wondered, as he navigates the complexities of his student visa and potential job opportunities.
Another international student, Vladyslav Plyaka, chose to stay in the U.S. amid the conflict in Ukraine. Originally an exchange student, his decision to remain has left him grappling with his own situation—he feels loyalty to his family and guilt for not fighting back home. Despite the turmoil, he values the education he is getting. “I decided to stay here just because of how good the college education is,” he remarked, balancing his academic ambitions with a heavy heart regarding his family’s safety.
These stories highlight a significant shift in the climate for international students, who once dreamed of building a future in America now find themselves feeling like strangers in a land that once welcomed them. Student life has morphed into a treacherous landscape with mounting concerns about deportation and job security. As many rethink their plans, there clearly remains an urgent need for policy clarity and a more welcoming environment for those who contribute to America’s educational landscape.
As the Trump administration continues to reshape policies affecting international students, many individuals find themselves caught in a web of uncertainty and anxiety. Promises made during the campaign have fallen by the wayside, leaving students like Markuss, Avi, and Vladyslav grappling with their futures. The fear of deportation, coupled with the pressing need for job security, has forced many to rethink their dreams of establishing a life in the United States. A clear call for policy reform is essential to address these concerns and restore a welcoming atmosphere for students around the globe.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
