Concord, New Hampshire – Several U.S. colleges and universities are urging international students to return to their campuses before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.
This advice comes amidst concerns that Trump might impose travel restrictions similar to those seen during his previous administration.
More than a dozen educational institutions have issued such advisories, although Trump’s specific plans remain unclear.
Harvard University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Southern California are among the institutions that have cautioned their international students.
Administrators at these schools are worried about potential travel bans that could affect students’ ability to return to the United States in case they leave for the holidays or other reasons.
The advisories recommend that students who have traveled abroad for the holiday season or for personal reasons return to the U.S. before the inauguration date on January 20.
The fears stem from the travel bans instituted by Trump during his first term, which greatly affected international travel and immigration policies.
Officials at Harvard University sent an email to their international student body.
The message expressed concerns about “potential changes to immigration policies” and advised students to be back in the U.S. before the inauguration.
Several other universities have set up information sessions and provided resources for students who may be affected by potential changes in immigration laws.
The University of Pennsylvania has also issued guidance through its global education office.
The communication aims to ensure that students are informed about possible policy shifts under the incoming administration. Staff at the university have been actively engaging with students to address any concerns they may have.
Cornell University’s Office of Global Learning warned students on its website about the likelihood of a travel ban going into effect shortly after the inauguration.
The office advised students to take necessary precautions and return to campus as soon as possible should they be abroad.