As Donald Trump prepares for his return to the White House, universities across the United States are warning international students—especially those from countries affected by previous travel bans—about potential immigration issues that could impact their status in the U.S.
Several prominent universities, including the University of California-Berkeley, Cornell University, and Columbia University, have issued advisories urging international students to return to the U.S. before Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025.
These warnings come as a precautionary measure, as many students are concerned about the possibility of a renewed travel ban under the incoming administration.
During Trump’s first term in office, a travel ban was enacted, restricting citizens from several countries, including Nigeria, Iran, and Syria, from entering the U.S.
This policy caused significant disruption for international students, preventing many from re-entering the country after breaks or leaving for studies abroad.
Although it is unclear whether such policies will be reinstated, universities are advising students to return to the U.S. before the inauguration, in case new immigration restrictions are implemented quickly.
Cornell University’s Office of Global Learning echoed these concerns, noting that the travel ban could go into effect shortly after Trump’s swearing-in ceremony.
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The university specifically mentioned that students from countries previously targeted by the ban, such as Nigeria, Myanmar, and Sudan, should plan to be in the U.S. before January 21, 2025, to avoid complications.
Columbia University, which was a focal point for pro-Palestine protests in recent months, also issued similar advice to its international student body.
University spokeswoman Samantha Slater confirmed that Columbia is monitoring developments related to the new administration and encouraging students to return to campus early to avoid delays or issues with re-entry.
The warning comes amid rising concerns surrounding immigration policies, particularly from the Republican Party’s increasingly anti-immigrant rhetoric.
During his first term, Trump implemented a Muslim travel ban and vowed to revoke visas from students he labeled as “anti-American” or “anti-Semitic.”
This has left many international students, particularly from Muslim-majority countries, anxious about their future in the U.S.
Trump’s platform on immigration, however, has also included proposals such as granting international students automatic green cards upon completing their degrees.
While the future of these policies remains uncertain, the increasing uncertainty surrounding U.S. immigration is prompting many students to take proactive steps in preparation for potential changes.