U.S. Universities Warn International Students Ahead of Trump's Return

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to re-enter the White House, universities across the United States are advising international students, including Nigerians, to be mindful of potential executive orders on immigration that may affect their status in the country. 

The University of California-Berkeley recently highlighted on its International website the challenges faced by international students during Trump’s first term, particularly due to a travel ban that impacted several countries. "Many international students encountered difficulties re-entering the US to resume classes," the university noted. They are advising students to return to the U.S. before January 20, just ahead of the inauguration.

Cornell University's Office of Global Learning echoed these concerns, warning that a travel ban could soon be reinstated. The anticipated ban may target countries that were affected during Trump’s previous administration, including Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Myanmar, Sudan, Tanzania, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen, and Somalia. They strongly recommend that students, faculty, and staff from these nations return to the U.S. before classes resume on January 21.

Columbia University, which was the center of pro-Palestine protests in the spring, also issued a cautionary note. University spokeswoman Samantha Slater stated, "As we do with administrative changes at all levels of government, Columbia is gathering relevant information on the incoming administration.