International Students Rethink Holiday Travel as Immigration Enforcement Intensifies
International students and other foreign visitors are re-evaluating holiday travel plans amid growing concern over stepped-up immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. Advocates say recent detentions and expedited removals, combined with expanded vetting procedures, have created uncertainty for thousands of students and visitors.
High-Profile Case Raises Alarm
During Thanksgiving travel, Babson College freshman Any Lucia Lopez Belloza planned to fly from Boston to Texas to visit family but was stopped by immigration officials after clearing airport security. Lopez Belloza, who arrived in the United States at age 7, was quickly deported to Honduras. The administration said she was subject to a deportation order from 2015; her attorney says he cannot find any record of that order and that his client had not been notified.
The removal occurred despite a federal judge issuing an emergency injunction that Lopez Belloza not be expelled from the country for at least 72 hours, a development that has heightened questions about due process and communication with affected individuals.
Campus Concerns and Student Anxiety
Student advocates and campus leaders report increased anxiety among international and immigrant students. Shaun Carver, president of the International House Association and CEO of the International House at UC Berkeley, said many students are altering travel plans because enforcement now feels unpredictable.
Just anecdotally talking to our residents, some are concerned by these stories and the unpredictability of who and when enforcement will take place, and they are adjusting travel plans.
Expanded Vetting and Visa Risks
Advocates note several policy changes and enforcement actions contributing to the unease: public discussion of reducing international enrollment, additional social media checks added to visa screening since late May, the temporary rescinding and court-ordered restoration of thousands of visa registrations, and targeted enforcement against students involved in campus protests.
Fanta Aw, executive director and CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, warned that visa renewals have become slower and more uncertain due to embassy backlogs and extra vetting. She urged students who must renew visas abroad to weigh the risks carefully and to ensure there are no outstanding legal or conduct issues that could trigger scrutiny, including problematic social media posts.
Campus Responses and Advice
Many colleges are preparing communications to help international students decide whether to travel for the holidays. Some institutions are offering on-campus housing during breaks or more flexible options for students who prefer to stay put. Miriam Feldblum, president and CEO of the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, said campuses want to reduce anxiety by sharing accurate information without creating panic.
What Students Should Do
- Check visa expiration dates and allow extra time for renewals and interviews.
- Confirm there are no outstanding legal issues, warrants, unpaid fines, or conduct records that might attract enforcement attention.
- Review and clean public social media accounts, as additional vetting may include social media checks.
- Contact campus international student offices for guidance and consider on-campus housing options if concerned about travel.
As enforcement actions and policy changes continue to evolve, campus leaders and advocates emphasize clear communication and practical guidance to help students make informed travel decisions.
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