Don't return before Trump's inauguration Why did American university warn students?

Several university in the United States have advised foreign students, especially Indians, to return from their winter break before President Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20. The advisory stated that this would help avoid travel restrictions and strict checks at entry points.

PTI, New Delhi: Several universities in the United States have advised foreign students, especially Indians, to return from their holidays before President Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20. American university have issued travel advisories for their international students as well as staff, urging them to follow these guidelines.

The advisory mentioned that returning early would help avoid travel restrictions and strict checks at entry points. Trump will take the oath of office on January 20and has announced that on his first day as the 47th President of the United States, he will sign several executive orders focusing on issues like the economy and immigration.

More than half of the international students are from India.

According to data from the US Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education, more than half (54%) of all international students in the United States are from India and China.

This concern has grown at a time when India has surpassed China in student enrollment in the US 

Between 2023 and 2024, 3.3 lakh Indian students joined American university, compared to only 2.7 lakh students from China.

Despite a 4% decline, with 277,398 students, China remained the second-largest source of international students. It continued to lead in sending 87,551 graduate and 5,517 non-degree students.

Problems faced by students.

David Elwell, Associate Dean and Director of the International Students Office at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), mentioned in a post after the presidential election that with every election, a change in administration at the federal level can lead to changes in polices and regulations.

A student from the University of Massachusetts shared that they had to reschedule their return date, incurring an additional cost of around thirty-five thousand rupees. The university professors had warned them about stricter security checks and more thorough document verification.