US universities are urging international students and staff to return to campus ahead of President-elect Donald Trump taking office in January, amid growing concerns over his pledged immigration policies. Trump has vowed to enact the largest deportation operation in US history, creating widespread uncertainty among students and academic institutions.

During his election campaign, Trump proposed mass deportations and hinted at utilizing the US military to implement his immigration agenda. This includes revisiting efforts to dismantle the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which protects over half a million immigrants brought to the US as children from deportation.

Rising Anxiety Among International Students

Universities across the country have reported heightened stress among international students regarding their visas and educational continuity. “Students are incredibly overwhelmed and stressed out right now as a result of the uncertainty around immigration,” said Chloe East, a professor at the University of Colorado, Denver.

The University of Massachusetts issued a travel advisory on November 5, urging international students and staff to consider returning from winter break before Trump’s inauguration on January 20. The advisory cited potential disruptions similar to the travel bans implemented during Trump’s first presidency in 2017.

“Given that a new presidential administration can enact new policies on their first day in office, this advisory is made out of an abundance of caution to hopefully prevent any possible travel disruption,” the statement noted.

Nationwide Precautions

Other prominent universities, including Wesleyan University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, have also issued similar advisories. Yale University hosted a webinar for its international community to address concerns regarding potential shifts in immigration policies.

During his previous term, Trump signed an executive order banning nationals from several predominantly Muslim nations, North Korea, and Venezuela from entering the US. He also proposed limitations on student visas, raising concerns about similar actions in the upcoming administration.

Impact on Undocumented and International Students

An estimated 408,000 undocumented students, representing about 1.9% of all postsecondary students, are enrolled in US higher education, according to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal. International students, particularly those from Asia, are feeling the brunt of uncertainty, with US-China relations under Trump exacerbating anxieties.

Aoi Maeda, a Japanese international student at Earlham College in Indiana, expressed her concerns: “I’m planning to graduate in May 2026, but with the new administration, I’m less hopeful about things going well.”

New Administration’s Stance

Trump’s incoming administration has signaled stricter immigration enforcement, including plans to build holding facilities for undocumented immigrants. Border Tsar Tom Homan emphasized prioritizing the removal of violent criminals and national security threats but has not addressed the fears of immigrant students.

As universities and students brace for potential changes, the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s immigration policies is prompting caution and raising alarms in higher education institutions across the US.