Fearing deportation, international students go silent at Californias universities

International students in the U. S. are grappling with the implications of President Trump's Executive Order targeting alleged antisemitism, which has resulted in the loss of student status for many. This has led to significant changes in their campus involvement, as students now navigate their surroundings with caution, avoiding areas associated with free speech and altering their research projects. The fear of deportation was exacerbated by a White House fact sheet threatening to revoke the visas of “Hamas sympathizers.

” High-profile arrests, such as Mahmoud Khalil at Columbia University and Rümeysa Öztürk at Tufts University, have alarmed students, prompting them to reconsider their activism. In California, over 200 international students reportedly lost their status, according to Inside Higher Ed. As a result, students within the University of California system, where they account for 13. 6% of enrollment, have expressed concerns over their ability to freely participate in campus discussions. Many have chosen to remain anonymous while sharing their experiences, fearing retribution.

The situation continues to evolve, leaving many students uncertain about their future in the U. S.