As the United States braces for Donald Trump’s return to office as the 47th President in January, uncertainty looms large over Indian students and professionals studying and working in the US. Top American universities, including the University of Massachusetts Amherst, have issued travel advisories urging international students to return before the January 20 inauguration, citing fears of potential travel bans, according toa news agency.
President-elect Trump has outlined plans to issue sweeping executive orders targeting immigration and economic policies on his first day in office. These plans echo the disruptions of 2017 during his first term, when nationals from seven predominantly Muslim countries faced immediate travel bans, causing chaos and protests.
Universities Issue Precautionary Guidance
The University of Massachusetts Amherst warned international students to prioritize returning before January 20, stating:
“Given that a new presidential administration can enact policies on their first day in office, and based on prior experience with travel bans in 2017, this advisory is made out of an abundance of caution.”
Wesleyan University’s Office of International Student Affairs (OISA) issued similar guidance, advising students to be physically present in the US by January 19 to avoid re-entry issues. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Associate Dean David Elwell also cautioned students against potential visa delays and uncertainties tied to policy changes, advising careful travel planning.
Indian Students Remain Wary
For many Indian students, the memories of Trump’s 2017 travel ban remain fresh. The ban disrupted thousands of lives, sparking protests and raising concerns about the inclusivity of US immigration policies. Indian students, now the largest group of international students in the US, are particularly concerned. According to the Open Doors 2024 Report, 331,602 Indian students were enrolled in American institutions, marking a 23% increase from the previous year.
Universities like Yale are proactively addressing concerns by hosting webinars and preparing to challenge disruptive policies. Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has urged Indian nationals in the US to stay informed but has yet to issue a formal advisory.
As Trump’s inauguration approaches, the anxiety surrounding potential policy shifts underscores the precarious balance between political transitions and the lives of international students contributing to the US academic ecosystem.
