International students advised to return to the US before Trump takes office

(CLO) Dozens of universities in the US have advised international students to return to school before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025, due to concerns that Mr. Trump may reimpose travel restrictions as in his first term, affecting students who depend on academic visas.

Universities including Cornell, Harvard, Yale, and Johns Hopkins have announced that international students, especially those from at-risk countries, should return to the US before Mr. Trump officially takes office.

Cornell University has advised students to arrive at the school before January 21 and bring all necessary documents such as financial proof, admission certificate or transcript to avoid risks when entering the country.

Other universities such as Wesleyan University and the University of Southern California have issued similar advice, warning students to prepare for the possibility of encountering problems upon entry, especially those planning international travel during winter break.

The University of Southern California stressed that, while it is uncertain whether Mr. Trump will issue a travel ban, being in the US before January 20 is the safest way to avoid visa-related troubles.

Harvard University. Photo: Unsplash

During his election campaign, Mr. Trump threatened to impose deportations on international students, especially those from countries he considered a threat to national security, including Muslim-majority nations such as Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Yemen and Sudan.

During his first term, he implemented a controversial travel ban that affected thousands of people. Students from these countries could face difficulty re-entering the US if the ban is reimposed.

While it is unclear whether Mr Trump will implement travel restrictions, he has publicly stated that he will “test the minds” of non-US citizens to prevent security threats.

Mr Trump also pledged to "revoke student visas of anti-American extremists" and take action against students who participate in protests, especially in the context of pro-Palestinian protests that have been taking place strongly at US universities.

Hoai Phuong (according to SCMP, Guardian, The Hill)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/du-hoc-sinh-quoc-te-duoc-khuyen-tro-lai-my-truoc-khi-ong-trump-nham-chuc-post326807.html