The University of Southern California has warned its international students to return from vacation before President-elect Donald Trump begins his second term.
USC sent the letter to its approximately 17,000 international students as a precaution, noting that Trump’s possible executive orders after his Jan. 20 inauguration could complicate their re-entry.
“I think it was definitely a scary reality,” said international student Pragya Bhatta.
Bhatta, who is from India, and Amber Hoddle, who is from Australia, were both given the warning. They said the university’s warning to backtrack before the new administration takes office was sobering.
“I was just shocked,” Hoddle said. “I didn’t think it would affect me at all. Since I had already worked out a lot of my immigration stuff before I came here, I assumed it wouldn’t really change. The fact that I got that letter made me nervous. I immediately texted my parents.”
The letter says it’s unclear what executive orders could come once Trump retakes the White House, but he implores students to avoid trouble by returning to the U.S. sooner rather than later. It is also indicated which documents they should have at hand. The warning comes in the wake of Trump’s promise of mass deportations of people staying here illegally.
“This is new territory,” said immigration attorney Eric Lee. “The students who have an F or J visa must return to the United States as soon as possible. It will be a lot more difficult than students may realize to legally challenge actions that lead to their exclusion. physical of the territoriality of the United States.”
Bhatta and Hoddle said their documents are all in order and they plan to return before Trump takes office. However, they know others who need to change their plans.
“I have friends who have had their flights postponed for a few weeks, which means they spend less time with their families,” Bhatta said. “A lot of things are happening that I didn’t think would affect me as quickly as they are, and it’s certainly very disturbing.”
Tom Wait
