How a Second Trump Presidency Might Impact International Students
Over the past week, many of my students have expressed anxiety about the reality of a second Donald Trump presidency—specifically how his policies on immigration and foreign nationals might affect their plans to study in the United States. While it’s impossible to predict exactly what will happen when Trump is sworn in on January 20th, we can gain some insight by looking at policies from his first term and his statements during the 2024 campaign.
Let’s break down the key areas of concern:
Trump and Student Visas: What International Students Should Know
To study in the U.S., students must secure either an F1 or J1 visa, depending on their program. During his first term, Trump only marginally altered the visa application process. He increased vetting measures and added additional questions, which resulted in slightly longer wait times for some applicants.
However, where you live could play a significant role in your application’s success. During his presidency, Trump imposed restrictions on student visa seekers from China, a policy largely upheld by President Biden. Additionally, Trump’s well-known “Travel Ban 3.0” targeted travelers from several predominantly Muslim countries. If reinstated during a second term, this ban could affect students from these regions most significantly.
Trump also proposed shortening the duration of student visas during his first term, suggesting a limit of two or four years instead of the current practice of granting visas for the full length of a degree program. If this policy returns, students in longer programs may need to reapply for visa extensions. It is unclear if Trump has any plans to revisit such restrictions in his second term, as he did not mention them during his 2024 campaign.
[The vast majority of my clients are French passport-holders. I can honestly say that their visa application experience was not substantially different during Trump’s first term than it during President Biden’s.]
Work Opportunities After Graduation
Post-graduation work prospects are an important consideration for many international students. Here’s how Trump could affect them:
OPT (Optional Practical Training): This program allows student visa holders to remain in the U.S. for up to 12 months after graduation (24 months for STEM graduates) while seeking employment. At end of his first term Trump discussed restricting the program or possibly eliminating the STEM extension. There’s no indication that he would cancel OPT entirely during a second term, but adjustments to eligibility or duration are possible.
H-1B Work Visas: Foreign graduates who secure long-term employment in the U.S. require an H-1B visa. Trump’s first term saw increased rejection rates for these visas, and this trend may continue in his second term. However, it’s worth noting that President Biden has also proposed stricter eligibility criteria for H-1B applicants, including requiring degrees to match specific job fields. If Biden doesn’t enact these changes by January, Trump may pick up where he left off.
Green Cards for Graduates: One piece of good news for international students—during his 2024 campaign, Trump proposed offering green cards to all foreign graduates of American universities. While he’s since walked this promise back somewhat, and many believe he is unlikely to pursue it once in office, it does show a significantly friendlier attitude towards some foreign nationals which may color his second term.
Navigating American Culture Under Trump
A common question from my students is whether they will feel welcome in Trump’s America. This is an extremely complex question, given the web of cultural, personal, and regional factors at play. On the whole, there are lots of reasons to believe that your experience as a college student under Trump will not be substantially different than it would have been under Biden or Harris. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
· Trump’s harshest policies have historically targeted unauthorized immigrants, not legal visa holders. Recent comments suggest a more supportive stance toward legal immigration.
U.S. universities are known for their commitment to multiculturalism, especially in urban areas and large institutions. For example, Boston University—my undergraduate alma mater—currently boasts an international student population of about 23%.
Political attitudes in the U.S. vary by region. Metropolitan areas and coastal states tend largely voted against Trump Students can use election maps to research the political climate near their prospective universities.
What’s Next for International Applicants?
Despite the uncertainties surrounding U.S. immigration policies, American universities remain committed to fostering diversity and welcoming students from around the world. The political landscape may shift, but the benefits of a U.S. education—world-class academics, professional opportunities, and cultural exchange—continue to make it a worthwhile goal.
For personalized guidance on navigating student visas or U.S. college admissions during these dynamic times, feel free to reach out to me, Dr. Elizabeth Churchill, to schedule a consultation.