Sampan’s Hong Kong-based reporter Darren Liu asked several young adults from abroad whether the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigrants made them think twice about studying in the U.S. That was in mid-March and the views were mixed. Liu recently followed up with the students after several high-profile abductions and detentions of university students and graduates occurred — including many with no criminal charges. Here is what these students are thinking now:

(Some students only wanted their first names used or to remain anonymous.)

Justin Kondozim, High school student, Togo, age 19:

I’ve always wanted to study in the U.S. because universities in my home country, Togo, lack sufficient resources, and the education system is lagging behind. That’s the main reason I did the International Baccalaureate abroad, even though I had already completed my local curriculum and could have gone straight to university. I made this decision to better prepare myself — improving my English and gaining the qualifications needed to study in an English-speaking environment. My ultimate goal is to secure a scholarship to continue my studies in the U.S.

However, with Trump’s recent decision to restrict entry for people from certain countries (like Sudan and the Congo), I’ve started having doubts. Even though Togo isn’t on the list, I worry it might only be a matter of time. If such restrictions were extended to my country, I could face deportation, which would ruin years of hard work and shatter my dreams.

Because of this uncertainty, I’m now considering other options, such as studying in the U.K., Canada, or France. But as someone who can’t afford high tuition fees, it’s an incredibly tough situation. Many international students like me are struggling with these challenges right now.

Miguel Vasquez, High school student, ethnically El Salvadorian, living in Hong Kong, age 17:

As someone preparing to study in the U.S. this coming fall semester, I feel a significant sense of anxiety reading about Trump’s unprecedented immigration policy changes, particularly those targeting international students living in the U.S. Although recent revocation of student-visas has been enforced mainly toward Middle Eastern students, I do have a lot of concerns on whether or not my demographic could be next in line. 

While my intentions still remain to study in the U.S. – due to my familiarity of having lived there and the availability of opportunities – I have taken several precautions and also carefully explored the alternatives of studying elsewhere.

Fatou, University student, Dutch international studying in University of Florida, age 18:

Growing up, I always imagined the U.S. as a diverse, free country full of opportunities, which filled me with excitement about the prospect of studying there. But honestly, recent developments have left me feeling more scared than excited about that idea. The news about Trump’s new policies regarding all internationals in the U.S. has really shaken my confidence. It’s hard to think about studying in a place where my safety feels uncertain. Knowing that students can suddenly lose their status or face deportation makes the whole experience seem way riskier. If things don’t change with the current regime and its policies, I’ve decided I won’t stay in the U.S. after my studies. I want to focus on learning, not worrying about my future or feeling like I’m living in a precarious situation. The dream of studying abroad now comes with an overwhelming sense of caution, and it’s tough to imagine feeling truly safe or comfortable while pursuing my goals there.

High school student, living in Korea, age 18:

Recently, I have decided to matriculate to the U.S. despite growing concerns about visa restrictions. I still wholeheartedly believe the U.S. remains a top destination for professional development, and have made this choice due to long-term prospects, which outweigh the risks in my opinion. I believe such radical policies will be short-lived, and will make sure I am more careful to not provoke authorities when studying in the U.S. Additionally, I am aware that in South Korea, many students hold a second passport, some of which have better political standing to the U.S., and therefore have gotten their I-20 visas on that passport instead. Such precautions have been taken by many of my fellow students to lessen risks associated with deportation. 

Hugo Mackenzie, University student, Spanish international studying in University of Connecticut, age 18:

As an international student, I have noticed many of my peers are a lot more scared. However, I do not think the deportations are as big a deal as people make it out to be. While there are some prominent cases of individuals being deported, the majority of students are still completely fine and unaffected. Notable cases which I have read up on seem to be due to individuals violating visa regulations, and their deportation is justifiable. I personally have not really been affected heavily by the Trump administration and their policies. 

Aadi Avlani, High school student of Indian descent, living in Hong Kong, age 17:

My view on going to the U.S. may differ from the majority of students. While some may view the current political landscape as a reason to distance themselves from the U.S., I see it as an opportunity. Especially as someone who would like to study political science in university, being in the country during one of the most politically relevant points in its history would be a phenomenal learning opportunity. Every radical policy Trump enacts is a new topic to discuss and analyze in class, or an additional argument to an ongoing debate. Without this unique political landscape my experience would have been like any other basic college experience, but with this added element it really elevates the whole experience.

Callista, University student, Norway, age 20:

I do not have a very significant preference for where to pursue my graduate degree, so seeing Trump’s new policies have pushed me to research other universities in other countries, such as the U.K. Before this administration, I already had doubts about studying in the U.S. due to other drawbacks, such as high costs, but this has solidified my desire to study elsewhere. However, I still have two years of undergraduate studies to complete, so I will re-consider as the time comes. 

High school student, Pakistan, age 18:

With both my siblings studying in the U.S., I’ve become much more fearful of deportation, as I’ve personally heard many stories of people who have had their lives redirected because of such (policies). Both my siblings have decided to stay in the U.S. this summer, out of fear there may be issues with immigration upon re-entry. Although I would like to join both my siblings in the U.S., I have ultimately decided to matriculate to the U.K. instead, because of better stability amongst other factors. With news breaking every day regarding new university policies, especially regarding international students, I’ve decided not to take the risk of having my studies interrupted down the line. My family is quite hopeful however, that such issues are only temporary, and should not significantly affect my sibling’s career paths.