Foreign students at UH Hilo feeling unsettled by Trump administration's actions, potential impact on enrollment numbers.
Facing Challenges: International Students at the University of Hawaii at Hilo Left Anxious and Confused
Life as an international student at the University of Hawaii at Hilo isn't what it used to be for many foreign students. With a growing sense of unease and uncertainty surrounding their visas, travel, and social media, the university grapples with a potential loss of enrollment due to these concerns.
Jim Mellon, the director of International Student Services and Intercultural Education at UH Hilo, sheds some light on the current situation. During the initial Trump administration, there was a sensed discomfort among international students, but Mellon notes that sentiment wasn't as widespread as it is now.
"Policies have shifted dramatically and been rolled out in an abrupt and disruptive manner over the past several months," Mellon said. "Cascading policy actions and decisions against colleges—including the singling out of international students—is much more widespread and prevalent now. The stakes now appear higher."
The university reported that 227 international students from 33 countries were enrolled for the fall of 2024. While the university currently does not have any foreign students at risk of losing their visas, Mellon has witnessed a range of emotions from students over the past several months including confusion, fear, anxiety, and discontent.
One South American student who received a bachelor's and master's degree at UH Hilo was offered a fellowship to pursue their doctorate at Princeton University but had it rescinded due to federal cuts to scientific research, a move that Mellon believes is connected. This student was too nervous about government surveillance to speak about their feelings to local newspapers and asked to remain anonymous.
Another issue ranking high among concerns of the international students is traveling. Some students fear to travel between Hilo and their home countries, worried about the uncertainty involved. One Mexican student who completed their first year at UH Hilo declined to speak to the local press out of concern for their safety.
For Annie Haglund, a Swedish student who completed her bachelor's degree in December and played for the Vulcans soccer team, the government's announced intention to monitor the social media of international students has added to her anxieties. She expressed concern about visiting her home country and even taking interisland flights with friends due to increased scrutiny and detainment of young travelers at the airport in Honolulu.
Haglund currently holds an employment visa, but her visa renewal was put on hold when the embassy informed her that it had to pause everything related to visas, including waiver request decisions. This sudden turn has forced her to reconsider her plans to travel to Sweden to renew her visa and attend her late uncle's funeral.
The political climate, according to Mellon, is instilling doubt and uncertainty that is discouraging for prospective international students. Mellon stated that "other countries are capitalizing on the current political landscape in the U.S. and developing 'brain gain' schemes to attract international students and scholars." These countries will likely benefit greatly from existing policies aimed at limiting foreign student enrollment in the U.S.
Despite the challenges, Mellon remains optimistic about the fall 2025 semester as he observes that several new students have already obtained their visas or scheduled their interview. However, he remains concerned about future students who may face serious obstacles in getting a visa in time for the fall semester.
UH Hilo Chancellor Bonnie Irwin stresses that the university will continue to offer support to its international students, providing them with resources to help them navigate their tough situations. Irwin is also grateful that all of UH's campuses are facing these challenges together, working cohesively to address students' concerns.
- The political climate, with its policies and legislation, is creating anxiety and uncertainty among international students at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, hindering their education and self-development.
- Online education is becoming an increasingly important resource for international students, serving as a means to continue their learning without the risks associated with travel and in-person classes.
- Education institutions, like the University of Hawaii at Hilo, are closely monitoring general news and political shifts to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of regulations pertaining to war and conflicts, affecting their international students.
- The growing issue of government surveillance over international students is causing worries and concerns in the University of Hawaii at Hilo's community, affecting aspects of policy and legislation that govern learning and education-and-self-development.
