Cornell alerts international students ahead of ‘likely’ Trump travel ban

Cornell University has issued detailed guidance to its international community as the United States prepares for potential immigration changes under President-elect Donald Trump.

The advisory, released Tuesday, urges students, faculty, and staff to prepare for a likely travel ban and increased visa scrutiny as the new administration takes office in January 2025.

Cornell identifies citizens from countries targeted during Trump’s first presidency, including Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria and Somalia, as likely to face renewed restrictions. The university also warns that additional countries, such as China and India, could be added to the list.

Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Myanmar, Sudan, Tanzania, Yemen and Venezuela are also on Cornell’s list.

“International students from these countries are advised to return to Ithaca before the semester begins on January 21, 2025,” the advisory states, emphasizing the importance of timely travel arrangements and proper documentation.

The guidance also addresses undocumented students, offering resources and support through its student support office. While acknowledging the possibility of mass deportations, Cornell notes that such actions could face legal challenges.

“Mass deportations are likely to initially target individuals with final orders of deportation,” the statement explains, adding that court proceedings could delay enforcement efforts.

Cornell advises students to start the application process for employment visas, such as H-1B or O-1 visas, well in advance of deadlines to avoid complications.

Newsweek reached out to Cornell University for comment on Tuesday.

During his 2024 campaign, Trump positioned himself as a champion of legal immigration, distinguishing between those who enter the United States lawfully and those who do not. He even promised to issue green cards to all foreign students upon graduation as part of his “Day One” agenda.

However, the experience of his first term raises concerns among students and universities, especially with over 400,000 undocumented students currently enrolled in U.S. higher education, according to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal.

Between 2016 and 2019, visa and work permit processing times increased by 46 percent, according to the American Immigration Lawyers Association. These delays were largely attributed to policies implemented by Stephen Miller, Trump’s adviser, who is expected to return to the White House in a higher-ranking role as deputy chief of policy.

The potential return of travel bans recalls Trump’s executive orders during his first term, which restricted entry for citizens from several predominantly Muslim countries. These policies caused widespread confusion and detentions at U.S. airports, disrupting travel for many students and scholars.

Now in 2025, Trump’s proposed immigration policies, including mass deportations and tighter visa restrictions, have heightened concerns across U.S. universities. Academic institutions fear a repeat of past disruptions, compounded by additional measures such as visa suspensions and stricter enforcement.

Other universities, including the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Wesleyan University, have issued similar warnings, advising students to return to campus before the January 20 inauguration to avoid potential travel issues.

Yale University recently hosted a webinar on the future of immigration policy following Trump’s reelection, while the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has urged students to reassess their winter break travel plans immediately.