AGRAWAL: What does Trump's election mean for international students
Bad news for international students at Rutgers — President-elect Donald J. Trump is back in office. It is no surprise that Trump is returning with a much harder stance on immigration, exemplified by the potential appointments of Stephen Miller and Thomas Homan — figures well-known for spearheading strict immigration policies during Trump's first term.
Feeling anxious when so much is at stake for my fellow international students is normal. Trump, being as erratic as he is, could overturn or sign legislation that disproportionately affects F-1 students overnight. A fully unified government, with a Republican presidency, Senate and soon the House of Representatives, will give the party immense power to advance its immigration policies swiftly.
This renewed hardline stance may resurrect initiatives aimed at restricting programs like Optional Practical Training (OPT), which is essential for international students seeking to gain practical experience. Previously, Miller, under Trump's administration, had pushed for removing STEM OPT, a 24-month extension that STEM students use to work in the U.S. post-graduation.
Another way for Miller and other Trump officials to deter international students from working in the U.S. is by imposing burdensome requirements, making OPT impractical for both students and employers.
An area that could see a gradual but significant impact is the H-1B visa program, which many international students depend on to stay in the U.S. after graduation.
According to immigration lawyer Rajiv Khanna, the rate of H-1B visa denials soared to six times higher under the previous Trump Administration than it was under President Joseph R. Biden Jr. Heightened denial rates and potential new restrictions on eligibility could make it even more difficult for international students to secure employment in the U.S.
For students eyeing a long-term future in the U.S., including those planning to transition from OPT to an H-1B visa and eventually pursue green cards, things may also get more challenging. Trump's previous administration had pushed to raise minimum salary requirements for H-1B holders, making it financially challenging for employers to sponsor international talent.
Under a similar rule in 2020, minimum salaries in some fields were set to almost double, requiring employers to pay as much as $208,000 in certain cases. Although a court blocked this proposal, the approach shows how increased costs could dissuade companies from hiring foreign-born graduates.
As the U.S. struggles with a shortage of highly skilled workers in tech, engineering and research, such policies could unintentionally drive innovation and economic contributions elsewhere.
Moreover, Trump's perceived lack of emphasis on education adds another layer of concern for international students. In his first term, few policies supported educational programs that benefit immigrants and international students. Trump's policies could further complicate visa processes, extend processing times and introduce more obstacles for students seeking U.S. employment, leaving many questioning whether their time and money are best invested here.
As international students at Rutgers and across the U.S. brace for a possible shift in immigration policies, it is natural to feel a wave of anxiety. The return of a Trump-led administration may feel like a dark cloud of uncertainty, especially with known immigration hardliners back in the picture. But before making any drastic changes, let us take a moment to pause.
Yes, Trump and his team may push for restrictive immigration policies, but history tells us that immediate, sweeping changes are rare — even with a unified government. Immigration reform is complicated, and Republicans are often divided on the specifics.
In Trump's first term, ambitious immigration proposals faced hurdles and delays and, in some cases, were blocked by the courts. This time, too, any potential changes will likely face a similar maze of debate, revisions and even some opposition within the party.
So, rather than rushing to change plans or fearing the worst, remember that the situation is still up in the air. If past experiences are any guide, significant policy shifts take time to materialize, giving students room to breathe and adapt. There is no immediate need to hit the panic button — keep focused on your studies, your work and your goals. Change may come, but it will not happen overnight, and when it does, you will have time to decide the best steps forward.
Khushi Agrawal is a sophomore in the School of Arts and Sciences majoring in Cognitive Science and Information Technology and Informatics and minoring in Digital Communication, Information and Media. Agrawal's column, "Scarlet Perspectives," runs on alternate Tuesdays.
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