When SUNY Brockport freshman Grace Chiari came to college, she didn’t know that the future of her friends’ college career would be hanging in the balance not even halfway through their first year.
Since Trump took office in January, the fear of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) targeting schools and other educational spaces has become all too real. These crackdowns aim to change how the U.S. handles immigration by restricting who can enter the country and removing those without legal status.
“I have international friends that help better the community we’re in and if ICE were to come onto campus, I would be stressed for them [my friends] because at the end of the day, they’re only trying to get an education,” Chiari said.
With a confirmed presence of ICE at both SUNY Geneseo and local areas of Rochester, some international students are concerned that SUNY Brockport may also be targeted. This is especially worrisome for international students who are studying here with a non-immigrant visa status.
One of these international students on SUNY Brockport’s campus is Priyanka Gautam from Nepal. Nepali students make up the majority of international students on campus and many feel trepidation over their academic future.
International students are now looking to their host universities for guidance.
“It’s important for institutions to provide clear guidance and support. I feel well-supported by my institution,” Gautam said.
During winter break, many universities across the U.S. urged students to return before the Trump administration came into power. This is not the case for SUNY Brockport.
SUNY Brockport’s International Student Services has released email guidance to all of its students to prepare them for any potential encounters with ICE officials. Students are now asked to carry original documents and copies of these on their person while remaining confident and calm in their explanations to ICE if necessary.
“For me, it’s most important that our international students know that they are welcome here – at SUNY Brockport and in the United States,” Associate Director of International Enrolment and Student Services Christine Dima said.
International students have also been taken on trips outside of campus to immerse themselves in American culture such as sports and nature.
“We support international students and connect them with resources, to foster a sense of belonging and preparation during their time here,” Dima said.
The next steps are for students to remain calm and confident while ensuring they carry original copies of their documents with them daily just in case of an encounter with ICE officials.
“My hope for international students is that they are free to travel and learn without the stress of ICE. And I hope that this presidency doesn’t affect the opportunities of international students either coming to America or going somewhere else to travel,” Chiari said.
