As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second term in office, a growing number of U.S. colleges and universities are advising international students to return to campus before January 20, 2025, due to concerns that Trump may reinstate or expand travel restrictions. This advice follows the previous travel bans imposed during his first administration, which restricted entry to the U.S. for citizens from certain predominantly Muslim countries. Many schools, including Ivy League institutions and others across the country, have issued similar advisories, urging students to be proactive and return early to mitigate any risks associated with potential immigration changes. These advisories come as Trump has indicated he may revive such policies and even expand them.

Trump’s previous executive orders led to significant disruptions for international students, faculty, and others who found themselves either banned from entry or detained at airports due to travel restrictions. With more than 1.1 million international students enrolled in U.S. universities for the 2023-24 school year, the fear of new travel bans or visa complications looms large, especially for students from countries that were previously affected. These include nations like Iran, Syria, Libya, and Yemen. Some schools, such as Cornell University, have specifically warned that a new travel ban targeting these countries, or even expanding to include larger countries like China and India, may be implemented soon after Trump takes office.

As U.S. universities prepare for possible disruptions, many are advising students to plan ahead for possible delays and complications with immigration control. Though no formal announcement has been made regarding new travel bans, the advisory serves as a precautionary measure to ensure international students' academic continuity and immigration status are not jeopardized. With the uncertainty surrounding Trump's policies, institutions are urging students to return before the semester starts to minimize disruptions, particularly in light of the potential impact on their ability to remain in the U.S. on academic visas. The advisories underscore the growing concerns about the intersection of politics, academic freedom, and international student mobility.