International students concerned about holiday travel due to increased immigration enforcement

With immigration enforcement intensifying under President Trump, international students are reassessing their holiday travel plans. Concerns have grown after reports of students being detained or deported without prior warning or criminal charges, prompting anxiety among those planning to visit family or travel domestically.

During the Thanksgiving break, Babson College freshman Any Lucia Lopez Belloza intended to fly from Boston to Texas to see her family. However, she was detained by immigration authorities at airport security and swiftly deported to Honduras. Lopez Belloza, who moved to the U.S. at age seven, was reportedly subject to a 2015 deportation order, though her lawyer found no record of this decision and her client was never notified. The deportation occurred despite a federal judge issuing an emergency order preventing her removal for 72 hours.

Shaun Carver, president of the International House Association, highlighted the unusual nature of the case. He noted that Lopez Belloza, often considered a Dreamer rather than a typical international student, being stopped on a domestic flight underscores the unpredictability of enforcement. Carver added that many students are now adjusting travel plans in response to such incidents, reflecting a widespread unease among international students and scholars.

The deportation exemplifies broader efforts by the administration to restrict international student enrollment and increase visa scrutiny. Actions include adding social media vetting for student visas, revoking thousands of visa registrations, and targeting students involved in pro-Palestinian activism. Recently, federal immigration operations have expanded to cities like New Orleans and the Twin Cities.

Carver emphasized that international students with valid visas should not face routine issues entering or leaving the U.S., but uncertainty at airport checks is causing stress. Advocates warn that students may face risks if renewing visas due to processing delays and additional vetting measures introduced since May, including social media checks.

Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, advised students to ensure they have no legal issues, traffic violations, or concerning social media content before traveling. Students now need to be more vigilant than before about any potential issues that could affect their ability to leave or re-enter the country, she said.

Universities typically offer a three-to-four-week winter break, during which many international students travel home or explore the U.S. Miriam Feldblum, president of the Presidents Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, noted that schools are seeking guidance on communicating with students and providing flexible options for those hesitant to travel.

Reports of detentions and deportations heighten stress and uncertainty for international students. Campuses aim to provide accurate information and reduce anxiety without creating panic amidst anti-immigration rhetoric, Feldblum added.

Author: Aiden Foster