Hope turns to anxiety as international students navigate growing uncertainty in the US

FILE — People cross Harvard University’s campus in Cambridge, Mass. on April 3, 2025. Students and their immigration lawyers say they were relieved for the temporary reprieve, but emphasized that it was just that — temporary. (Sophie Park/The New York Times)

As the Trump administration’s policy on student visas continues to cause waves of disruption, international students in the United States are grappling with a new reality—one marked by fear, anxiety, and a heightened sense of insecurity. With increasing visa revocations and a looming overhaul of the immigration system, the lives of thousands of students are being upended, shifting the focus from traditional college stressors like academics and social life to more immediate concerns about safety and legal rights.

Visa revocations and rising fear

The number of international students affected by visa revocations has soared, with an estimated 1,800 students already impacted, according to media reports. These students are not only contending with academic pressure but are now living under the shadow of potential deportation and legal jeopardy. For many, the daily experience has transformed from navigating typical challenges like managing finances and friendships to a constant state of fear—fear of deportation, fear of sudden encounters with immigration authorities, and fear of losing their right to remain in the US.

Temporary relief amidst lingering uncertainty

In the face of mounting fear, protests and legal interventions have brought temporary relief. Hundreds of students saw their SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) records reinstated, allowing them to breathe easier for the moment. SEVIS is a crucial government system that tracks international students’ status in the US, and the termination of these records often signals a violation of visa conditions. While these reinstatements offered hope, they are far from permanent. Officials have indicated that these reversals could be undone as a new system is developed, casting a long shadow over students’ futures.

A new era of caution and self-censorship

On college campuses, the atmosphere has grown more cautious. Students, particularly those from international backgrounds, have been altering their behaviours to avoid drawing attention. What was once a routine part of student activism—participating in protests or speaking out on controversial topics—has now become an activity fraught with risk. One student, for example, described how she no longer feels comfortable expressing solidarity with global causes, while others have taken steps to limit their online presence, even deactivating social media accounts to avoid scrutiny.
The consequences of even the smallest mistake are becoming more significant. Students are now carrying their visa documents at all times, just in case they are stopped by authorities. Others have gone so far as to seek legal advice on what to do if they encounter an ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agent. This heightened vigilance is a direct result of a crackdown that has blurred the line between typical student life and the fear of becoming a target of deportation.

Economic pressures and professional uncertainty

The impact of this climate of fear extends beyond personal safety and into the professional realm. Students on F-1 visas, particularly those seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) opportunities, are finding it increasingly difficult to secure employment. With heightened scrutiny of employers hiring foreign nationals, companies are becoming more reluctant to take on international students for fear of facing audits or penalties. This is causing many students to reconsider their long-term plans, as the possibility of building a career in the US after graduation becomes more uncertain.

Legal battles on the horizon

In response to the growing tide of visa terminations, a wave of legal action is beginning to take shape. Immigration lawyers are exploring the possibility of class-action lawsuits to challenge the terminations, with the hope of reinstating the visas of all affected students. This would provide a glimmer of hope for those living under the threat of deportation, but for now, uncertainty reigns.
As litigation unfolds, students are left to navigate a complex web of legal challenges, shifting regulations, and personal fears. While some find solace in the temporary reprieves provided by legal intervention, many others are questioning whether the US is still a viable place for their academic and professional futures.

A crossroads for International students

As the US government grapples with immigration reform, the future of international students remains precarious. For now, many are caught in a waiting game, unsure of whether their educational pursuits will be interrupted or cut short. In this climate of uncertainty, the broader implications for academic freedom, diversity, and the global exchange of ideas are becoming more apparent. If these policies persist, the long-term effects on US higher education, once a beacon for students around the world, could be profound and irreversible.