U.S. Universities Warn International Students of Potential Immigration Challenges as Trump Prepares to Take Office

As President-elect Donald Trump gears up for his return to the White House, universities across the United States are urging international students, including those from Nigeria, to remain vigilant about potential immigration policy changes that could impact their residency and travel.

During Trump’s first administration, a travel ban targeted multiple countries, creating significant obstacles for international students attempting to return to the U.S. after visiting their home countries. Universities are now issuing preemptive guidance to help students avoid similar disruptions.

The University of California, Berkeley, recently advised international students on its website to return to the U.S. before January 20, citing concerns about potential executive orders.

“During the first four years of the Trump administration, a travel ban was imposed that affected several countries, causing challenges for international students re-entering the U.S. to resume classes,” the university stated.

Cornell University’s Office of Global Learning echoed these concerns, warning that a travel ban “is likely to go into effect soon after inauguration.” The advisory noted that countries previously affected include Nigeria, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Sudan, Tanzania, and several others. Cornell urged students from these nations to return before the start of the academic term on January 21.

At Columbia University, spokeswoman Samantha Slater emphasized the institution’s commitment to monitoring developments under the new administration. She encouraged international students to return before the semester begins to avoid potential delays.

International students remain apprehensive as Trump’s policies during his first term—including a controversial Muslim travel ban—resulted in restricted entry for citizens of several Muslim-majority nations. Additionally, Trump recently vowed to revoke visas for students he deemed “radical anti-American and anti-Semitic” amid rising campus protests over the Israel-Gaza conflict.

This rhetoric, coupled with broader anti-immigrant sentiments within the Republican Party, has fueled anxiety among foreign students studying in the U.S.

While Trump’s platform primarily focuses on curbing illegal immigration, he has expressed support for certain international students. During a June interview, he proposed granting automatic green cards to foreign graduates of U.S. universities as part of their diplomas, allowing them to stay and work in the country.

As the new administration takes shape, the uncertainty surrounding immigration policies highlights the importance of preparation and vigilance for international students navigating their academic and residency plans.