International Students Face Barriers in Pursuing Education in the U.S.

As political unrest continues to affect national policies, numerous international students reveal their struggles with freedom of expression and visa stability while studying in the United States, particularly under the Trump administration's immigration regulations.

Hassan Kamal Wattoo, a 25-year-old law student from Pakistan, once viewed American universities as sanctuaries of free speech and opportunity. However, after months of receiving threats from authorities back home due to his critical writings, he secured a scholarship to the University of California, Berkeley, hoping for a brighter future. His aspirations swiftly dimmed, however, in the wake of incidents involving the detention of noncitizen students linked to pro-Palestinian protests and the arrest of dissenting voices critical of U.S. policies.

With many international students left feeling vulnerable, Wattoo has now decided to return to Pakistan shortly after his graduation, citing an increase in hostility and disillusionment with the American system. “That respect in the American system has kind of faded away and been replaced with this bitter animosity,” he remarked, drawing parallels between the current situation in the U.S. and the struggles he sought to escape.

Following inquiries from The New York Times, over 150 international students shared their fears regarding the administration's immigration policies, with many feeling compelled to forgo travel plans or avoid discussing sensitive topics in public settings. A significant number reported concerns over divisive issues that could attract scrutiny from authorities, opting instead for silence on protests related to Palestinian rights, labor issues, and disability equality.

Amidst this backdrop, the once-promising allure of U.S. higher education for international students now feels more like a minefield, with the fear of repercussions overshadowing their dreams of academic and professional success. The cultural and emotional ramifications of these policies leave many questioning whether the United States can still uphold its reputation as a land of opportunity and free speech.