As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office on January 20, 2025, several U.S. universities are advising international students to return to campus before the inauguration to avoid disruptions caused by potential immigration restrictions. These precautionary measures are due to concerns that Trump may reinstate travel bans and other policies similar to those enacted during his first term, which had significant effects on international students, particularly from predominantly Muslim-majority countries.
In response to these concerns, some universities have issued travel advisories. These advisories encourage international students to return to the U.S. before the spring semester begins to reduce the risk of being affected by potential executive orders that could impact travel and visa processing.
The University of California-Berkeley addressed the situation on its International Office website, recalling the difficulties caused by the travel ban imposed during Trump’s first presidency. The university said, “During the first four years of the Trump administration, a travel ban was imposed that impacted multiple countries and resulted in many international students encountering difficulties re-entering the U.S. to resume classes.” The university added, “Whether such policies will be implemented again and/or blocked by the courts or via other means is unclear. Out of an abundance of caution, we are recommending a return to the United States prior to January 20.”
Similarly, Cornell University’s Office of Global Learning issued a warning that a new travel ban “is likely to go into effect soon after inauguration.” The statement further explained, “The ban is likely to include citizens of the countries targeted in the first Trump administration: Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Myanmar, Sudan, Tanzania, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen, and Somalia.” Cornell urged students, faculty, and staff from these countries to return to the U.S. before the term begins on January 21, 2025.
These travel advisories from major universities are a proactive step to ensure that international students can continue their education without interruption. With uncertainty surrounding Trump’s immigration policies, institutions are taking measures to help their international communities avoid any potential disruptions caused by executive actions or changes in immigration laws.