As Trump moves toward new travel ban, international students face growing uncertainty. (ANI Photo)

President Donald Trump has announced plans for new travel restrictions, raising concerns among international students across the US. The restrictions are expected to affect individuals from several countries, including those impacted by Trump’s previous travel ban. As uncertainty looms, international students, particularly those at prestigious universities like Harvard, are grappling with questions about how the new policies will impact their ability to remain in the US and continue their studies.
Despite the growing anxiety, guidance from universities has been limited. International students are seeking answers, but with no clear communication from university officials, many are left in the dark about their future in the country. “I think it could be very helpful if they could send out more detailed communications about what these new policies mean for the international community here,” said Zaria A. Ferguson, a student from Jamaica and leader of the First-Year International Program, as quoted by The Harvard Crimson.
Uncertainty for students from affected countries
Trump’s new travel ban could affect students from the seven countries included in his 2017 executive order — Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. Reports also suggest the new restrictions might extend to Afghanistan and Pakistan. According to data from the Harvard International Office, five students currently enrolled at Harvard are from countries affected by the 2017 ban. If Afghanistan and Pakistan are included, that number increases to 15 students, as reported by The Harvard Crimson.
International students at US universities, particularly those on F-1 visas, were able to stay during the previous travel ban, but the uncertainty surrounding the new order has raised concerns about future policies. Abdullah S. Sial, a student from Pakistan, expressed his worry about the potential impact, acknowledging that although his visa status may protect him, “things could fully change in the next couple of hours” under the Trump administration, as quoted by The Harvard Crimson.
Confusion over university guidance
Despite the growing concerns, Harvard officials have not issued any clear statements regarding how the new travel restrictions may affect international students. The Harvard International Office (HIO) has sent vague communications, advising students to return before Martin Luther King Day and providing minimal guidance on potential policy changes. This has left many students feeling unsupported, as emphasized by Taybah Crorie, a student from England, who said, “It’s felt like they just don’t know and so they can’t support us,” as reported by The Harvard Crimson.
Without detailed information from university authorities, international students at Harvard have taken matters into their own hands. The Woodbridge International Society (WIS) distributed a survey to gather feedback from students, allowing them to anonymously voice their concerns about their status under the new policies, as shared in a March 4 newsletter from WIS.
As President Trump moves forward with the new travel ban, international students continue to navigate a climate of uncertainty, unsure of what the future holds for their academic careers in the US.