As Donald Trump prepares to reclaim the presidency, educational institutions across America are advising international students, particularly those from Nigeria, to remain cautious as executive orders related to immigration may influence their residency status in the States.
“During Trump’s initial tenure in the White House, a travel ban was enacted that affected several nations, leading many international scholars to face obstacles when attempting to return to the US for their studies,” noted the University of California-Berkeley on its International portal.
“Whether these policies will be reinstated or challenged through legal avenues remains uncertain. As a precaution, we advise returning to the United States before January 20,” the statement continued.
Similarly, Cornell University’s Office of Global Learning cautioned students about a forthcoming travel ban that “is anticipated to be initiated shortly after the inauguration”.
The ban is expected to encompass citizens from the nations previously targeted during Trump’s first administration: Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Myanmar, Sudan, Tanzania, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen, and Somalia,” the office’s announcement stated, urging students, faculty, and staff from these nations to be back in the US before the semester commences on January 21.
Columbia University, which was a hub for pro-Palestine demonstrations across American campuses in the spring, also issued a warning.
“In line with changes in administration at all governmental levels, Columbia is collecting pertinent information regarding the new administration,” said university spokesperson Samantha Slater in a message to the Columbia Spectator.
International students are encouraged to return to Columbia’s campus prior to the start of this semester to mitigate any potential travel hold-ups.
During his previous term, Trump enforced a Muslim ban that barred individuals from specific Muslim-majority nations from entering the US. In the midst of protests related to the Israel-Gaza conflict, he pledged to revoke the visas of “radical, anti-American, and anti-Semitic foreigners” enrolled in US universities.
This, alongside an escalating tide of anti-immigrant sentiment from the Republican Party, has raised concerns among international students.
Nevertheless, Mr. Trump’s stance on immigration has been primarily centered on halting illegal entry into the nation. In a June conversation with The All-In Podcast, he remarked that international students “should automatically receive a green card as part of their diploma to remain in this country.”