US education or elsewhere? Trump 2.0 immigration policy sparks concerns for students

NEW DELHI: International students across the United States are expressing their anxiety following the return of former President Donald Trump to the White House, after his victory in the 2024 election. The Trump 2.0 has sparked widespread concern, particularly among student groups from diverse backgrounds, who fear that upcoming policy changes could affect their ability to study and live in the US.

This has reportedly sparked student action, including protests and demonstrations. According to Fox News, student groups are planning events to express their views on upcoming policy changes.

Trump’s first term was marked by stringent immigration measures, including visa restrictions, travel bans, and policies targeting undocumented immigrants, all of which directly impacted international students. Many international students are worried that the Trump 2.0 administration will continue or even expand these policies, creating an environment of uncertainty on US college campuses.

Future of over 4 lakh undocumented students uncertain

Another major point of anxiety for students is the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which shields undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children from deportation. Under Trump’s first presidency, DACA was repeatedly challenged, and many fear that the incoming administration will seek to dismantle the program entirely.

Reportedly, under the incoming administration, the future of over 4,00,000 undocumented college students in the United States is uncertain. This population experiences elevated stress levels as a result of changes to laws such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and fears of deportation.

42% of international students unlikely to consider US as study abroad option

In the 2023-24 academic session, Indian students comprised the largest group of international students in the United States. As per the Open Doors 2024 report, over 3 lakh Indian students now study in the US, accounting for 29.4% of its 11 lakh international student population.

However, Trump’s immigration policies and political ideologies have made the US a far less appealing destination for foreign students. 42% of students from various countries are now unlikely to consider US as study abroad option, India today said quoting Keystone Education Group survey.

Another major point of anxiety for students is the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which shields undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children from deportation. Under Trump’s first presidency, DACA was repeatedly challenged, and many fear that the incoming administration will seek to dismantle the program entirely. This would affect over 4,00,000 undocumented students, leaving them vulnerable to deportation and ending their ability to work or study in the U.S.

Concerns for transgender students

Transgender students are concerned about the possibility of losing protections such as access to gender-affirming healthcare and rights within educational institutions.

Concerns about the weakening or deletion of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which promote inclusive campus environments, have created uneasiness among underrepresented groups. The possibility of heightened social tensions and decreased institutional support has an impact on campus life, making tudents especially vulnerable during this political change.

Despite stricter policies, there is a silver lining for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. Sonal Kapoor, global chief commercial officer of Prodigy Finance, highlights the Trump administration's historical support for STEM graduates whose skills align with the US labour market.