April 30 marked the 100th day of Donald Trump’s second presidential term. Within that timeframe, the Trump administration has erased diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, is trying to end birthright citizenship for people born within the U.S. to parents without permanent legal status, and revoked close to approximately 1,800 student visas (F-1 and J-1). 

Many of these visa revocations were linked to pro-Palestinian activism and other forms of protest, according to NPR political analysists.  

The freedom of speech.  

Our first amendment, ratified in 1971, is the backbone of the United States. And yet, throughout history the right to free speech has been preyed upon. Migrant communities have strayed away from sharing their opinions, let alone fighting for their rights. International students, along with minorities across the country, have been encouraged to avoid any kind of protest.  

The intent of this article is to provide some sense of that freedom to students. The individuals interviewed come from six different countries. All with the same intent to graduate, some are working to obtain permanent citizenship, and all express concern over their ability to stay in the country. 

Several students have also applied for political shelter, which is defined as a recognized safeguard that provides refuge for those facing threats in their home country. The individuals interviewed will remain anonymous to protect their safety.  

“I’m a very strong-minded person and I haven’t ever been hesitant to speak my mind on things,” one source said. “For obvious reasons, I feel like I can’t.”  

“I’m tired of feeling silent,” another said.  

One young woman sat with her hands clenched tightly in her lap, her foot tapping restlessly on the ground. All the interviews started with the same sense of anticipation and anxiety. Before saying anything, it was obvious everyone shared what one called the “overwhelming sense of uncertainty” at this time. 

However, one by one, tense demeanors began to ease, and conversation flowed more freely.  

“The country is built on immigrants. I know that there might be people that view me as something that I’m not, but I know who I am and what my intentions are while in the United States,” one said.  

On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order intended to deny birthright citizenship to children born in the United States to parents who are either in the country unlawfully or on a temporary basis, according to the Council of Foreign Relations.

This action was widely criticized by legal scholars as being overtly unconstitutional. The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1868, affirms: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.”  

In addition to this measure, the Trump administration also undertook efforts to curtail diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. 

“Why would I support someone who doesn’t support me,” a student responded when asked about their stance on the current president.  

“I don’t like him that much. He tries to show everyone he’s strong, tries to scare everyone. He likes Russia a lot, he loves Putin. And I don’t like that.” 

As the semester comes to a close, most students are anxious about final exams and presentations. In contrast to these stressors, international students worry about their ability to continue their studies in the fall. 

“It’s constantly on my mind and I really didn’t keep up to date or follow politics that closely, but it is getting a little bit scary,” one student said. “I wasn’t always a very political person, but I feel like I have to be.” 

International students also explained the difficulty of obtaining work without being a permanent resident. One individual explained that a lot of businesses in Vermont are small-scale, and don’t always have the resources to be able to hire someone without residency.  

“You could be the best candidate for the position, but as soon as you mention that you are an international student, there’s kind of a tension that presents itself,” they said.  

Students typically take advantage of breaks to visit with their families and spend time at home. The majority of international students don’t have this option and expressed their feelings of being homesick.  

“I think I’d do anything to hug my mom. Moreso for her sake, she worries a lot,” one student said, who has not seen her mom in person since 2022.  

Most international students said they have not been to their home countries since coming to the United States. 

The risk of losing their ability to pursue a higher education has become a pressing concern. Students explained how essential it is to obtain the correct documents, and to have awareness of their rights. 

Despite that, many share concerns over the fact that there have been individuals who were deported during their efforts to legally stay in the country.  

“There’s a lot of people saying we’re at risk even if you do have the correct documents,” one said. “All my cards, my documents, everything I carry wherever I go.”  

Despite the heaviness of the issue, students expressed their feelings of gratitude towards the community. 

The DEI efforts at VTSU have helped many students acquire jobs and internship opportunities. The students at VTSU Castleton have been “very welcoming and easy to talk to,” one international student said.  

The ability to cross the border is a complex interplay between immigration policies and global events. 

It’s essential that institutions and policymakers work collaboratively to ensure that international students are treated fairly, so that their vital role in enriching educational communities is preserved.  

“I can technically leave, there’s just no coming back,” one said.