In late May, I was still finalizing my school decision to study in the U.S. in Tokyo. It was then I heard the news saying, the U.S. administration had temporarily closed student visa interviews to implement new social media vetting protocols for an uncertain period of time.
With the updates that followed, I made all of my social media accounts public, even the one with 30 followers that was shared with my closest friends. Bewildered and confused at what was really happening, I checked the interview portal every day to see if the situation had changed.
Here I am today, in Greencastle, Ind., writing my article. I arrived a few days later than other international students, but I still managed to get here before all classes started.
The United State Department of State suspended scheduling of visa interviews at all U.S embassies in late May. The suspension with an initial length unnoted, went on for 3 weeks, significantly impacting the arrival of international students onto U.S college campuses.
On Sep 18, the state department announced another update on interview waiver restrictions, expanding applicants that are required to attend an in-person interview. On Sep. 19, President Donald Trump issued a new proclamation on the H-1B visa program, requiring $100,000 payment for any new H-1B visa petition. According to the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services, it is an “incremental step to reform the H-1B visa program to curb abuses and protect American workers.” Oct 20, the U.S Citizenship and Immigration services posted a following update on H-1B visa eligibility criteria, clarifying that the new $100,000 payment would only apply for new applicants outside of the U.S which meant that F-1 students currently studying in the U.S are exempted from it.
Frequent updates on immigration and visa policies constitute the news today. What does all of this mean for the international students studying in the U.S?
According to Beth Haymaker, Director of International Student Affairs, DePauw has weathered the immigration challenges over the summer with a sizable first year class of international students, though there were admitted students who were negatively impacted.
“There is a real concern in the international education community that the United States will end up losing international students to other countries like Canada. U.K. and Australia because of the recent immigration uncertainty,” Haymaker explained. “Globally, there is a lot of competition to attract talented international students to study.”
In the midst of an uncertain time with constant changes to immigration policies, what would be the values of studying in the U.S for international students?
“One of the best things about the United States is the educational system,” Haymaker shared about U.S. education. “Liberal Arts colleges are really the jewels in that system. Opportunities to be in small classes with professors in the field, who you get to work very closely with, is a unique and wonderful part of the education process.”
She also emphasized the importance of intercultural communication in educational environments and the essential role international students play in U.S colleges. Studying alongside others from a variety of different backgrounds helps students prepare for future careers in a globally interconnected world.
With scary headlines filling up, fear seems to be slightly becoming more apparent on our campus too. “Some international DePauw students chose not to travel during the summer because of concerns about potential travel restrictions,” Haymaker said. But despite all the fear due to uncertainty in what to expect, she reminds us of how there are still over a million of international students in the United States, attending school “just fine”.
Haymaker emphasized, “One thing I also want to make sure international students know, is that I am here, ISA is here and we are also paying attention to all the things you need to know.” Mentioning support for students, she reassured students that her team are always here for any questions or reassurance to the best of their ability.
