US Universities Urge Indian Students to Rush Back Before Trump’s Inauguration Amid Travel Ban Fears!

New Delhi(The Uttam Hindu):As Donald Trump prepares to take office as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, uncertainty looms for Indian students and professionals studying or working in the country. Amid growing concerns about potential travel bans, several prominent US universities are issuing travel advisories, urging international students to return to the US before Trump's inauguration.

Trump, who is set to be sworn in on January 20, has promised to sign significant executive orders targeting immigration and economic policies on his first day in office. This has reignited fears of a repeat of the 2017 travel ban, which severely impacted nationals from seven predominantly Muslim countries.

The University of Massachusetts, Amherst, has issued a detailed advisory recommending that international students and staff return before January 20. The advisory, issued out of caution, reflects concerns over the potential for policy shifts as soon as the new administration takes office. "Given that a new presidential administration can implement policies on its first day in office, and reflecting on the travel bans in 2017, this advisory is issued out of caution," the university said.

Wesleyan University’s Office of International Student Affairs (OISA) also emphasized the importance of being in the US before the inauguration. According to The Wesleyan Argus, the university advised students to be physically present in the country by January 19 to avoid difficulties with re-entry.

David Elwell, Associate Dean at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), also urged international students to carefully review their travel plans. He highlighted the risks posed by delays in visa processing and policy changes during transitions, stating, "Each election brings potential changes to policies, regulations, and legislation that may affect higher education and immigration matters."

Indian students, in particular, recall the disruptive impact of Trump’s 2017 executive orders, which led to widespread protests and uncertainty for thousands of students and professionals. In response, many universities are actively supporting their international students. For example, Yale University recently held a webinar to discuss potential immigration policy changes and to reassure students. Several institutions are also exploring legal options to challenge any potentially disruptive policies introduced by the incoming administration.

The US continues to be a leading destination for Indian students seeking higher education. In the 2023/2024 academic year, India surpassed China as the largest source of international students in the US. According to the Open Doors 2024 Report on International Educational Exchange, 331,602 Indian students were enrolled in US institutions, marking a 23% increase from the previous year. Indian students now play a crucial role in the US academic landscape, contributing significantly to both education and research sectors.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not issued an official advisory but has acknowledged the situation. Indian nationals in the US have been advised to stay informed about any changes to travel regulations or immigration policies.