On June 5, the administration under President Donald Trump declared a travel restriction affecting citizens from 12 specific countries, prohibiting their entry into the United States starting June 9. The affected regions include Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Besides this comprehensive ban, additional strict limitations have been imposed on travelers from another set of seven countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. Individuals coming from these latter nations might only obtain certain types of visas such as those for tourism, education, or permanent residence if they successfully undergo rigorous safety checks or qualify through limited exceptions.
This announcement came after
Trump’s attempt to bar Harvard University
Starting from May, when they began admitting international students, these actions have drawn attention to the current status of educational prospects for foreigners in the U.S., raising numerous queries among college students. What impact might Trump’s travel restrictions have on international students currently enrolled in American institutions? Could these limitations influence overseas study programs? And how are universities responding to this policy change?
Although the specifics remain unclear, here’s what all university students need to know regarding President Trump’s recently implemented travel ban up until now.
What Impact Will Trump’s Travel Ban Have on International Students?
The
National Association of Foreign Student Advisers: Association of International Educators (NAFSA)
The website indicates that the restriction does not apply to students who have already obtained approval for a visa or are presently in the United States. Nevertheless, it impacts numerous international students who are awaiting their visas or those planning to pursue studies in the U.S. but haven’t submitted their visa applications yet.
Applicants for visas who fall under this Presidential Proclamation
“Individuals can still apply for visas and book interview appointments; however, they might not qualify for visa approval or entry into the United States,” according to the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs website.
As stated by the Institute of International Education, approximately 19 million students are enrolled in U.S. colleges, with nearly 6% of these students being part of this total number.
just over 1.1 million
, are international students. Because of this recent ban, their numbers might substantially decrease in the coming academic year and even further into the future.
Expelling international students and scholars will result in short-term and long-lasting effects that adversely affect Americans,” says Fanta Aw, the executive director and CEO of NAFSA, to Her Campus. “Whether it’s advancements in cancer treatments or the tech powering platforms like Zoom, the contributions from these international talents have played a crucial role in driving significant innovations integral to our contemporary lifestyle.
Could the Travel Restriction Impact Study Abroad Opportunities for American Students?
U.S. citizens’ chances to study overseas aren’t anticipated to be influenced by the new travel restrictions. According to Oliver McSurley, who directs international studies at the University of Central Florida, the travel ban applies solely to residents from prohibited nations wishing to enter the U.S. “The newly issued travel restriction targets people entering the country—those looking to gain entry,” explains McSurley. Therefore, these recent actions typically won’t affect programs aimed at American students planning to learn abroad.”
What Is the Reaction of College Students to the Travel Ban?
Many institutions of higher education have remained silent regarding the impact of the travel ban on their students. Nevertheless, learners active on social platforms have voiced their bewilderment, frustration, and lack of confidence concerning the matter.
For instance, an Iranian student currently pursuing studies in the U.S., known as @miakmm on TikTok, recently posted that she needs to head back to the U.S. by June 9th; otherwise, she won’t be permitted to resume her education at her university. She stated, “I just received an email informing me that my home country is now restricted, and should I fail to make it back to the U.S. before June 9th, I’ll lose all chances of coming back here again. So, I’m getting ready to depart by tomorrow evening.”
In the meantime, X user @pardis7899 shared her disappointment about the delay in obtaining her student visa, mentioning that the travel ban has extended her waiting period further.
The hashtag #EducationWithoutBorders has emerged on X to garner support against the ban, particularly for Iranian students.
In support of these students, educators such as Aw are pushing for the removal of this ban. According to Aw, “International students and scholars are already some of the most monitored people coming into the United States.” Treating them as potential national security risks goes against both the administration’s proclaimed objectives and undermines the principles and success that characterize the American ideal. Therefore, we encourage the administration to change direction and adopt policies aligned with what truly serves our country’s welfare.
As of June 13, there has been no sign that the restriction will be removed.
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How Is Trump’s 2025 Travel Ban Affecting College Students? Here’s What You Should Know
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