The University of Southern California, which has the largest number of international students in the state, is asking students attending the school on student visas to return to the United States before President-elect Donald Trump takes office for a second term.
With the university going on winter break from Dec. 19 to Jan. 12, some international students with USC’s F-1 and J-1 visas may choose to visit their home countries. However, due to uncertainty surrounding the second Trump administration’s immigration policies, USC is asking international students to “avoid any hardship” and return to the U.S. by January 13 to stay in their country before the start of the spring semester. recommended to do so.
The university also reminded international students to keep their re-entry documents handy during their travels.
It is estimated that USC has more than 17,000 international students, making up more than a quarter of the student population.
With approximately 6,000 students enrolled for the fall 2024 semester, most of USC’s international students come from China, followed by India and South Korea.
USC said the international student group represents more than 130 countries.
President Trump is scheduled to take his second oath of office on January 20th.
The president-elect has put immigration at the center of his campaign, proposing mass deportations and other policies mirroring his “Remain in Mexico” program.
It is unclear how the policies of the second Trump administration will affect international students on student visas, but President Trump has implemented a travel ban on Muslims, including Venezuela and North Korea, as well as Restricted visa issuance to countries.
In addition to announcing plans to impose additional tariffs on imports from China, President Trump reportedly ranted about China in 2018, saying, “Almost every student who comes to this country is a spy.”
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