The Trump administration is continuing its crackdown on international students who come to the U.S. with student visas to learn at top educational institutions and pursue job and networking opportunities.
Unexpected policy changes in student visa requirements and a reduction in the number of visas issued, according to CNN, are making it difficult for international students applying to colleges in the U.S., including those who have already obtained their visas.
The Trump administration is also seeking out students who may have invalid or expired visas.
“From expanded travel bans to enhanced visa restrictions…[they] are reshaping the higher education landscape and raising concerns about their long-term effects,” said Elisa Broche, Horseshoe Magazine’s executive editor.
Historically, obtaining visas has always been challenging, and students at the university say the new requirements complicate the process even more.
Jessica Chavali, a junior international student from India, is a residential assistant who participates in on-campus clubs and organizations. Chavali said she has noticed significantly fewer international students and says she is frustrated about the four-year limit imposed on all international students, because she had planned to continue pursuing her graduate degree. Chavali said that her parents are also worried and fearful about her coming back to the U.S. so she is considering returning to her home country.
“I believe that the Trump administration’s actions are rooted and based on a white supremacy mentality and always feeling more superior over others,” Chavali said.
Nevertheless, Chavali said she is determined and will not allow the current international student policies to have an impact on her.
Nurul Chowdhury, an international commuter student from India, works at the Office of Graduate and International Student Life and said she knows the process of becoming a green card holder.
“It starts after you graduate with something called an Optical Practical Training (OPT) to convince employers to sponsor you,” Chowdhury said.
OPT is a temporary employment authorization process for eligible F-1 students, providing them with an interactive experience in or related to their field of study. According to a Forbes article there have been “…more denials on H-1B filings for existing employees seeking an extension.”
The Department of Homeland Security enacted a new regulation that gives holders of F-1 and J-1 visas a set four-year timeframe.
As for whether international students are taking jobs from domestic students, Chowdhury said, “Diversity is a strength that international students and immigrants contribute to this country.” Chowdhury said that international students should work on enhancing their skills before graduation to become more competitive in the job market.
All international students face uncertainty.
“The impact of Trump’s executive orders extends beyond immigration,” Broche said. “The order ‘Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity’ bans diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts…Institutions that rely on federal funding may feel compelled to scale back DEI initiatives, threatening progress in fostering inclusive campus environments.”
According to the Associated Press, students are left to question whether they will be able to get visas, travel freely or voice their opinions as the U.S. government takes a tougher stance on immigration and starts to deploy police forces.
Despite the administration’s stricter policies, the international student community at the University of New Haven still has hope and resilience because they are prepared for what else is to come in the near future.
