International students are increasingly worried about their future in the United States following Donald Trump’s reelection. Concerns center on Trump’s rhetoric about citizenship and visa restrictions, which have led both students and university officials to fear for their status.
In the two weeks following the election, the Office of Immigration Services sent multiple emails to international students, advising them to return to campus before Trump’s inauguration on January 20. This advice came amid fears that new immigration restrictions could be enforced immediately upon his taking office.
Initially, Community Living restricted international students from staying on campus between December 21 and January 2, but reversed the decision after student backlash.
Raine Kamilova, an international student from Uzbekistan, explained that their country’s strained relationship with the U.S. means they can only obtain one-year visas. This leaves them with a difficult choice each year: return home to renew their visa or stay in the U.S. indefinitely. Kamilova is concerned that visa renewal may be denied, especially given Trump’s history of limiting entry for students from certain countries.
“For individuals in this situation, it’s scary to return home and reapply,” Kamilova said. “Visa rejection rates are higher under Trump, especially for students from developing or Muslim-majority countries.” In Uzbekistan, the rejection rate is around 60%, and Kamilova expects it to rise.
Héloïse Hughes, an international student from Switzerland, shares similar fears. She believes Trump’s policies could make it increasingly difficult for international students like herself to complete their studies.
Trump has previously promised to offer green cards to foreign students after graduation. However, this commitment is uncertain due to the anti-immigration stance he has maintained throughout his campaign, including promises of “mass deportations.”
Sofiia Syzonenko, an international student from Ukraine, is considering applying for a U.S. work visa after graduation. However, she is concerned that securing one may be even harder under Trump’s presidency, following the significant number of work visa denials during his first term.
For now, students are hoping their college will continue offering support to international students. Kamilova suggested the college could offer discounted housing or funding to help students stay on campus during breaks.
“We can’t go back home, but it would be nice if Amherst could provide us a ‘home’ in the U.S.,” Kamilova said.
Hughes added that she hopes the college will prioritize and support international students, ensuring that admissions do not decrease in the years to come.
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