Trump politics in higher education

Mel Rising Dawn Cordeiro

News Editor

As the Trump administration reasserts its hardline stance on immigration, colleges and universities across the United States are grappling with the implications of new policies that could significantly affect their international student populations and institutional operations.​

The administration has intensified efforts to revoke visas for international students, particularly those involved in political activism. In Providence, at least one undergraduate student from Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and at least one undergraduate student from Brown University have had their visas terminated, which is a formal revocation of their student visa status in the U.S. There have also been a small number of graduate students from Brown who have had their visas terminated. RIC is currently advising all students who are here on a visa with the intention to remain in the US to check with a lawyer before traveling to their home country.

In Virginia, at least 25 international students and three recent graduates from institutions like the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech had their visas revoked, with no clear explanation provided. This action follows previous high-profile detentions of international students and graduates, including those involved in pro-Palestinian activism. It is unclear if the students from Rhode Island where involved in any pro-Palestinian activism and their names have not been released. 

Creator: a_Taiga Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

One notable political case involves Mahmoud Khalil, a recent graduate from Columbia University, who is facing deportation under a rarely used immigration statute. The administration claims his participation in pro-Palestinian protests harms U.S. foreign policy, a stance that has drawn criticism from civil liberties advocates who argue it infringes upon free speech rights.  

In Florida, at least three public universities are seeking to deputize campus police to enforce federal immigration laws, a significant shift from the previous norm where campuses were considered "sensitive locations" protected from immigration enforcement. This move has raised concerns about the safety and inclusivity of academic environments.  

Some institutions, like the University of Southern California and Cornell University, have issued advisories urging students to be physically present in the U.S. ahead of the beginning of the semester to avoid disruptions caused by possible executive orders affecting travel and visa processing. 

The Trump administration's policies also have financial ramifications for higher education institutions. A proposal under Project 2025 suggests cutting off federal student loans to universities that offer in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants, potentially affecting thousands of students, including U.S. citizens. This policy could place financial strain on colleges and universities that rely on federal funding and support for their diverse student bodies. 

Additionally, the administration has threatened to cut federal funding to universities over accusations of antisemitism and racial discrimination, particularly targeting institutions that support pro-Palestinian activism. This has led to a chilling effect on campus discourse, with some university leaders opting for neutrality to avoid potential repercussions. Recently, the University of Rhode Island became the target of a Trump administration investigation for their diversity, equity and inclusion policy. The details of this investigation have not yet been released. 

As the Trump administration's second term unfolds, colleges and universities are navigating a complex landscape of immigration enforcement, policy changes and financial uncertainties. Institutional leaders are balancing the need to protect their students with the realities of federal and state mandates, all while striving to maintain the core values of academic freedom and inclusivity.