American universities are urging international students to return to the country before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. They are worried about potential travel restrictions and policy changes that might make visas and reentry processes difficult for students.
The Global Affairs Office at the University of Massachusetts Amherst told students via Instagram on November 15th. They suggested that international students, teachers, and staff who are supported by the university should return to the U.S. before January 20, 2025, if they plan to travel outside the country during the winter break.
“The Office of Global Affairs suggests that international students and staff at UMass Amherst should think about coming back to the U.S. before January 20, 2025, which is the day of the presidential inauguration,” the message said. It explained that this advice is not because of any current U.S. government rules, but because of possible changes, like new executive orders or travel restrictions, that the new administration might make.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst issued a similar warning after the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) made an announcement on November 12.
David C. Elwell, the Associate Dean and Director of MIT’s International Students Office, cautioned that new government orders might affect travel and visa procedures, possibly causing delays at U.S. embassies and consulates.
Elwell said, “We understand this is a confusing time, but this is common after any election. We’ve been through these changes before,” and advised students to trust official information instead of rumors or unconfirmed social media posts.
