International students face uncertainty amidst America’s new reality
Campus News, Politics September 23, 2025, Comments OffFor many, college is a fresh start; a new beginning. Students from around the world come to the United States in search of education and a brighter future, with the goal of starting a new chapter. Turning this page can be both terrifying and exciting. Moving to an unknown city and community can be full of promise, but what if that promise was threatened? Many students across America feel this is their current reality in light of recent changes to immigration policy in America.
Following Trump’s inauguration earlier this year, his administration made it clear that America’s approach to immigration would change, ushering in an “America first” approach. To combat the rising numbers of illegal immigration in the states, President Trump stated at a news conference in California that he planned to carry out the largest mass deportation in history. On January 20, 2025, the White House released an official statement with their plans to bring these changes into fruition. Immigration quickly spiralled into a hot-button issue across the nation, impacting all immigrants—not just the undocumented.
Panic spread throughout America as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents dispersed among different communities. Agents have detained people in every corner of life from grocery stores to churches, workplaces, and even school drop offs. As of 2025, ICE arrests have skyrocketed, putting the number of people in detention at an all-time high. Furthermore, a new temporary supreme court ruling now allows agents to stop anyone who qualifies as a reasonable suspicion, which includes characteristics such as race, accent, and the language one may speak.
This shift in national policy has made its way onto college campuses as well. So, what does this mean for international students? While administration claimed to only target and deport criminals, recent reports say otherwise. Student visas have been subject to investigation. Many students have been detained for violating their visas, and many have been stripped of their legal status altogether. There have been numerous cases of this happening for a variety of reasons. While numerous students throughout have been deported or forced to self-deport for illegal activity, many have also run into issues due to political activism and speech, according to NPR. These effects have been felt in universities across the country, including here in Springfield, Missouri.
Crackdowns from the government are causing universities like Drury to be much more careful with their international services. Luz Olivera, the Graduate Assistant of International Support Services (ISS) at Drury University, spoke with The Mirror about how Drury is aiding in helping students during this time.
“We are more careful,” she said in regard to how these policy changes have affected the lives of international students. Luz explained that her department has received a rise in questions from students simply asking what behaviours are and are not allowed. This new reality has caused international students to live an extra precautioned lifestyle.
She urges and reassures students that as long as they follow the law and keep all their forms and papers updated, there is no precedent for them to be targeted. “We encourage [them] to do legal things and not get in trouble—follow the rules and everything,” she explained. ISS has been working overtime to dismantle fears that many students have addressed by making sure they are very well informed. So, how do students feel as they navigate these changes?
A local student here at Drury sat down with The Mirror to share her experience. Out of caution, she chose to remain anonymous. As of today, she has not returned to her home country in 3 years to avoid running into difficulties upon re-entry into America. “I do want to visit my country, but the stakes are too high. There is too much risk,” she explained.
Like many, she follows the news stories of the mass deportations happening across America which have instilled fear in her, a law-abiding legal student. “Every small thing can be used against us,” she said. Routine activities that most natural born U.S. citizens may take for granted—such as driving or speaking an opinion—have become sources of anxiety for those operating on a visa. “I prefer to just live my student life,” she added. “Instead, I have to worry about my studies, work, and maintaining this perfect image as well.”
With this uncertainty currently happening in the States, she expressed that she—and many of her international friends— debate changing their post-graduation plans in America. “I know a lot of students who are planning to either go back home because they just really can’t take the stress over here because of the constant fear of racism and deportation,” she explained. While they may not know what the future holds for them, they can only hope for the best while pursuing their degree at this time. Drury is here to help with that. International Support Services has aided students during these unknown times. The anonymous student vocalized her gratitude toward Drury’s services, thanking them for putting in tremendous effort to calm students down and for being there to help them in many ways.
While the shifts in immigration policy have caused uncertainty for many international students, Drury University is doing their best to keep students informed and well-adjusted, easing any concerns they may have. America was built on immigration and no matter what policies shift, that will not change. Twenty-six percent of Drury’s student population is international. These students are an important part of this country and will continue to be an essential piece of its economic, academic, and cultural landscape.
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