The ban was one of several ways the Trump administration made life harder for international students during his first year back in the White House, including a pause in visa appointments and additional layers of vetting that contributed to a dip in foreign enrollment for first-time students. New students had to look elsewhere, but the hurdles made life particularly complicated for those like Thaw who were well into their U.S. college careers.
The queries and applications for U.S. universities have seen a significant drop, and students are considering alternatives. Destinations such as the U.K., Germany and Australia are being explored, and Canada is proposing a dedicated work permit for current and potential U.S. H-1B holders. All these initiatives and policy changes are sure to bring about a massive shift in demand for the U.S. as a destination.
I'm not sure if it was the high stakes of planning the perfect itinerary or the looming idea of feeling like an outsider in a new place, but growing up, travel always felt daunting to me. In the hopes of conquering that fear, I applied to my university's summer study abroad program and soon found myself thousands of miles from my home in California to complete a two-month internship in London.
Traveling with my grandparents in Paris taught me to embrace a balance of structure and spontaneity, enhancing my appreciation for the city and our shared experiences.
In the United Kingdom, most students are now barred from bringing family members. Canada has enforced a cap on study permits, restricted work eligibility after graduation and doubled the financial threshold for students to prove self-sufficiency.
