Travel Ban Disrupts Dreams of International Students Seeking Study in the U.S.

International students are facing significant obstacles in their pursuit of higher education in the United States due to President Donald Trump’s travel ban. Many students, like Saghari, a 21-year-old from Afghanistan, have seen their dreams of studying in the U.S. dashed. After years of dedicated English practice, Saghari received an offer to study business administration at a private liberal arts college in Illinois. She had hoped to start this fall, but the travel ban has disrupted her plans.

The travel ban affects citizens from 19 countries, creating a complex scenario for thousands of students who had invested time and resources to attend American colleges. As a result of the Trump administration’s new restrictions, many students are unable to secure visas, with a notable slowdown in processing applications over the summer. Some have reconsidered their plans due to fears stemming from a broader immigration crackdown, while others are directly impacted by the travel restrictions.

The U.S. State Department reported that more than 5,700 F-1 and J-1 visas were issued to individuals from the affected countries between May and September last year. Citizens of Iran and Myanmar received over half of these visas. The challenges extend further, as students continue to face uncertainty regarding their future in the U.S.

Among those affected is Pouya Karami, a 17-year-old student from Shiraz, Iran. Karami focused his college search entirely on the U.S., believing it offers unparalleled research opportunities in science. He planned to study polymer chemistry at Pittsburg State University in Kansas but has since deferred his admission until next year. He remains hopeful and is actively preparing for his embassy interview while urging U.S. politicians to reconsider the travel ban’s restrictions on students.

The full travel ban impacts citizens from 12 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. It generally prevents new visa applications for these individuals, although certain exemptions exist for green card holders and dual citizens. Seven additional countries face tighter restrictions that also apply to student visas. When announcing the travel ban in June, Trump cited high visa overstay rates and national security concerns as justifications for the restrictions.

Another student, identified by the nickname Gu Gu, had his education prioritized by his family in Myanmar, who saved diligently for him to study abroad. He received an acceptance letter from the University of South Florida, but the announcement of the travel ban halted his plans. Amid ongoing civil unrest in Myanmar, Gu Gu expressed a desire for the freedoms he believes he would experience in the U.S.

The ban has forced some students, like Saghari, to re-evaluate their options. After postponing her visa interview and ultimately canceling it, she sought admission to universities in Europe. However, she faced additional challenges, such as needing to retake an English proficiency test due to the expiration of her previous score. Currently, she is under review for admission at a Polish university but must pay her tuition upfront.

Amir, a 28-year-old Iranian researcher, faced similar setbacks. He was unable to travel to the U.S. for a visiting scholar position at the University of Pennsylvania. Instead, he remains in Tehran, continuing his research while grappling with the disappointment of missing out on a fully funded opportunity. Although his appointment has been postponed until next year, Amir is considering research opportunities in Europe, which may require extensive application processes and potentially learning a new language.

Students and their families are left navigating uncertain futures as the U.S. travel ban continues to impact their aspirations for education and personal growth. The barriers they face are not merely logistical but affect their hopes for a better life in a different country. As Saghari reflects, “You think that finally you are going to your dream, and then something came up and like, everything’s just gone.”

The ongoing situation underscores the profound human impact of immigration policies, affecting not just individuals but the families and communities that support them. The desire for education and opportunity remains strong, with many students determined to find paths to succeed, even as they confront significant challenges.