American universities are issuing urgent advisories to international students in response to the Trump administration’s proposed reintroduction of a travel ban targeting nationals from several countries. The policy, anticipated to take effect later this year, has prompted concerns about its impact on academic mobility and the safety of international students.
Several higher education institutions, including the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass) and Cornell University, have released guidance urging students from potentially affected countries to exercise caution and seek advice before traveling. The University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Office of Global Affairs issued a statement advising international students and scholars to “refrain from international travel” if they are from countries included in the previous bans or anticipate being impacted by new restrictions.
Cornell University also released a detailed advisory, expressing concern about the “potential consequences of forthcoming immigration changes.” In its guidance, the university emphasized the importance of staying informed about developments and consulting immigration attorneys when necessary. “Cornell is committed to supporting its international students and scholars during this period of uncertainty,” the advisory stated.
“The ban is likely to include citizens of the countries targeted in the first Trump administration: Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Myanmar, Sudan, Tanzania, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen, and Somalia. New countries could be added to this list, particularly China and India,” the advisory continued.
The Open Doors report, a data initiative supported in part by the U.S. State Department, reveals that more than 1.1 million international students enrolled in American colleges and universities during the 2023-24 academic year.
Indian students represent the largest group among these enrollees, followed by students from China and South Korea. Collectively, Indian and Chinese students make up more than half of the international student population in the United States.
Universities Mobilize Support for Affected Students
In addition to issuing travel warnings, universities are ramping up efforts to provide resources for affected students. Legal clinics and immigration support offices at schools such as Harvard University and the University of California system have pledged to assist students in navigating the complex immigration landscape.
According to The PIE News, higher education leaders have raised alarms about the potential damage to U.S. universities’ global standing. “This policy risks undermining the diversity and inclusivity that define American higher education,” a spokesperson for the American Council on Education said. Universities fear the ban may deter international students, who contribute billions annually to the U.S. economy and play vital roles in research and innovation.
Details of the 2025 Travel Ban
The proposed 2025 travel ban, an updated version of the Trump administration’s 2017 executive order, is expected to target nationals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and more. It will restrict their ability to obtain visas for travel to the United States, including for educational purposes. The administration has justified the policy as a measure to enhance national security.
Critics argue the ban disproportionately affects individuals from predominantly Muslim countries and lacks sufficient evidence to justify its impact on reducing threats. Organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) are preparing to challenge the policy in court, citing violations of constitutional and human rights.
As universities brace for the potential fallout, international students and scholars remain at the center of a contentious debate that could reshape the landscape of U.S. higher education. For many, the travel ban represents a critical test of the nation’s commitment to global engagement and academic freedom.