Uncertainty over US immigration policy sparks unrest among international students

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Uncertainties about immigration policies are appearing at many U.S. universities as President Donald Trump issues new guidelines for international students and staff ahead of taking office next year. According to a BBC report, many international students and scholars are worried about their future in the US as President-elect Trump had promised to crack down on immigration during his campaign. After winning the election, Trump vowed to carry out the largest deportation operation in US history and even said the military could be used to end the operation. Despite Trump’s background, international students and staff are concerned because during his first term, Trump tried to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which has protected more than 500,000 childhood immigrants in the United States. The University of Massachusetts has issued a travel advisory for international students. He has asked the employees to return before Trump takes office on January 20 next year. Wesleyan University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have urged the international community to finalize their travel plans as soon as possible to avoid potential disruption. Earlier this month, the Office of International Students and Scholars at Yale University held a webinar to address concerns about visa credibility and potential policy changes under the new administration. Prof Cole, from the University of Colorado Denver, told the BBC that many students were concerned about the instability of immigration policy. They are worried about their visas and continuing their education. It is estimated that there are 4,08,000 undocumented students enrolled in higher education institutions across the US, which is about 1.9 per cent of the total post-secondary students.