International Students Navigate Visa Challenges to Arrive in the U.S.
As the new academic year begins, international students are arriving on U.S. campuses, despite facing significant visa delays. Recent policy changes by the Trump Administration have created a tumultuous summer for these students, yet many have finally made it to their universities.
Students like Daria from Romania, Priyota from Bangladesh, Francois from South Africa, and Shivika from India have reached Buffalo, New York, to study at the University at Buffalo. NPR’s Elissa Nadworny reports on their journey and the broader impact of visa restrictions.
At the University at Buffalo’s orientation, international students are relieved to receive their campus IDs after navigating visa hurdles. Daria Tofan from Romania shared, “At least we’re here. For me, the main thing is that I got here.” She received her visa only a week before orientation, illustrating the tight timeline many students faced.
The recent tightening of international student visa policies has caused widespread anxiety and delays. Shivika Singh from New Delhi, who is beginning her studies in psychology, joined a group chat with other Indian students. Many peers couldn’t secure visa appointments in time, leading some to choose alternative destinations like the U.K.
Scott Weber, the provost at the University at Buffalo, noted an expected decline of approximately 750 international students this fall, significantly impacting graduate programs in STEM fields. “Clearly, this year we’re having more deferrals. They haven’t been able to get appointments for the most part,” Weber stated.
Fanta Aw, from the Association of International Educators, highlighted that the loss of international students could lead to a downturn in innovation. Her organization anticipates a 15% drop in international enrollment nationwide. Aw remarked, “This will affect communities large and small.”
While other nations like Canada, the U.K., and South Korea are accommodating more international students, President Trump has expressed concerns about academic espionage and other threats, though evidence for these claims is limited. He has also suggested that international students take spots away from American students. However, Weber assures that there’s ample space for both domestic and international learners.
Despite these challenges, the University at Buffalo’s overall enrollment is up, with about 4,000 international students on campus. Weber emphasized the cultural richness these students bring to the university experience.
For students like Shivika Singh, the focus now shifts to settling into college life. She shared a personal touch, mentioning a pink “Lilo & Stitch” soft toy she brought to her dorm to fend off homesickness. “There are, like, three soft toys on my bed,” she laughed, indicating the comfort these items provide so far from home.
Elissa Nadworny, NPR News, Buffalo, New York.
