When Adefemola Akintade learned that the Trump administration had suspended the processing of foreign student visas, she immediately went blank. “I don’t know what to do; this is something I’ve always wanted for the longest of times,” she told CNN, still with an air of disbelief. The Nigerian journalist has been accepted into Columbia Journalism School for a master’s degree and was on the cusp of applying for her US visa. “I don’t have any backup plan,” the 31-year-old said. “I put all my eggs in one basket – in Columbia… which is quite a risk.” She is due to start her degree in New York in August having already paid a hefty enrolment fee. Akintade is among thousands of people across the globe who were thrown into limbo on Tuesday when the US State Department instructed its embassies and consulates to pause the scheduling of new student visa interviews as it plans to expand social media vetting for applicants. It’s the latest in a series of moves by the Trump White House targeting higher education, starting with an ongoing fight with Harvard University and then dramatically expanding in scope. CNN spoke with several affected overseas students, who expressed a mix of sadness, confusion and fear over the latest developments and the sudden upending of their lives. Many of them asked to remain anonymous, citing concerns about possible retribution or problems in the future. ‘A scary time to study in the US’ “It feels like a really scary and unsettling time for international students studying in the US,” said one Canadian student who has also been accepted by Columbia. “A lot of us chose to study in the US for its freedoms but now knowing that innocent social media posts could cost an education feels like censorship.” Some prospective students have even started self-censoring. Another Canadian, accepted into Harvard Law School, told CNN how a friend working on Capitol Hill advised her to go through her social media posts shortly after the visa suspension news broke. “We were looking at a post from us at Pride, and my caption was simply a rainbow flag and then a trans flag. And I was on the phone with her ‘and I was like, do I have to take this down?’ Eventually we decided no, I could leave it up, but I changed the caption, I removed the trans flag. I don’t know how to feel about that,” the student said. “I do think it’s real proof that it is a fear campaign that is incredibly successful,” she said, adding that she has deferred her place for this year after getting a job offer. “I changed the caption with the anticipation that it could get worse. Today it is one (issue) and tomorrow it will be another one.” The State Department has required visa applicants to provide social media identifiers on immigrant and nonimmigrant visa application forms since 2019, a spokesperson said. In addition, it had already called for extra social media vetting of some applicants, largely related to alleged antisemitism. But it’s unclear what kind of post might pose a problem for an application from now on, or how these posts will be scrutinized. British student Conrad Kunadu said he’d been grappling with an “internal conflict” over his offer to pursue a PhD in Environmental Health at Johns Hopkins University after monitoring the crackdown on US colleges “religiously” for the past few months. The case of a French scientist who was recently denied entry into the US for allegedly posting messages criticizing President Donald Trump was a “big turning point” for Kunadu. “I was like, oh, wow. Ok, no, this is potentially really bad. I just don’t know if this is an environment that I actually want to be in,” he told CNN. After wondering whether he could manage his anxiety that “something (he) wrote in 2016” could get him deported, Kunadu decided to stay in Britain and study at Oxford University instead. Despite being grateful to have another option, he described his situation as a “lose-lose.” “I wanted to study in the US not just because, for my interests in health security, it’s where all the talent and resources are, but because it’s the best way to make an impact on these issues at a global scale,” Kunadu said. Like many others, he can’t help but mourn the possible academic research and advances that now may never come to fruition. Kunadu and another student who requested anonymity both mentioned being anxious about exploring topics in their studies that could be interpreted as dissent and ruffle official feathers. “It’s incredibly distressing as an American to hear that,” Michael Kagan, who directs the Immigration Clinic at the University of Nevada, told CNN. “It’s not something someone should have to worry about to study in the United States… But I think, right now, it’s totally rational. And if I were advising someone, I would tell them that, from a legal point of view, that seems like a reasonable thing to be concerned about.” Kagan described the visa halt as “one of many attacks on higher education and immigrants… two of the Trump administration’s favorite targets,” which in this case overlap. And while the directive is consistent with what the White House was already doing, he sees this as “an unprecedented attack in a non-emergency time.” When asked whether those who had accepted college offers and were waiting for a visa appointment had any legal avenues available to them, Kagan was not encouraging. “If someone is trying to enter and not yet getting a visa, (that person) usually has nearly no recourse,” he said. A sense of rejection In the 2023-34 academic year, more than 1.1 million international students studied at US higher education institutions, according to a report from the the Institute of International Education. The students CNN spoke with were all now trying to come to terms with their new reality and figure out their next steps. “I’m still kind of hoping that there’s a Supreme Court case that suddenly sees things in my favor,” Kunadu said. Oliver Cropley, a 27-year-old British student from a low-income background, told CNN that he was due to attend Kansas University for one year on a scholarship, but without a visa appointment he is no longer sure. “It just feels like a kick when you are already down,” he said. “Our strategy is a waiting game, we want to see if Trump is going to backtrack.” The Canadian accepted into Harvard Law School said she was glad the institution is taking a stand against the Trump administration. “If Harvard caves, everybody caves and it’s the collapse of civil society, right? If the wealthiest institution with the highest brand recognition folds, everyone folds,” she told CNN. For Nigerian journalist Akintade, who has always dreamed of studying at an Ivy League school, the feeling of rejection by the US is weighing heavily. “This is the message I’m getting: we don’t want you,” she said, with a deep sigh. Lisa Klaassen, Nimi Princewill and Quinta Thomson contributed to this report
‘A fear campaign.’ Students around the world are shocked, scared and saddened by US visa pause
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"International Students Express Fear and Uncertainty Following US Visa Processing Suspension"
CNN
5.8
TruthLens AI Summary
The recent suspension of foreign student visa processing by the Trump administration has left many prospective international students feeling anxious and uncertain about their academic futures. Adefemola Akintade, a Nigerian journalist set to attend Columbia Journalism School, expressed her disbelief and fear about the situation, stating that she had invested all her hopes in this opportunity without a backup plan. Thousands of students globally are now in a state of limbo as the US State Department pauses new student visa interviews to expand social media vetting for applicants. This decision is part of a broader trend of increased scrutiny on foreign students and higher education institutions, which has raised concerns about freedom of expression and the potential for censorship among students who chose the US for its academic freedoms. Many students are now self-censoring their social media presence, worrying that innocuous posts could jeopardize their visa applications. The emotional toll of this uncertainty is significant, with students grappling with feelings of fear, confusion, and sadness as they navigate this new reality.
In addition to the immediate impact on visa applications, the suspension has fostered a sense of rejection among international students, who feel unwelcome in a country they had hoped to contribute to academically and professionally. British student Conrad Kunadu, who was poised to pursue a PhD at Johns Hopkins University, reflected on the anxiety that the new vetting process has instilled, prompting him to reconsider his plans and ultimately choose to study at Oxford instead. The sentiment among students is that the current climate poses a serious threat to academic freedom and the pursuit of knowledge, as they worry about the implications of expressing dissenting views. Experts in immigration law, like Michael Kagan, have described the visa halt as part of a broader attack on higher education and immigrant rights under the Trump administration, which has made it increasingly difficult for foreign students to feel secure in their educational pursuits. As students await further developments, many are left to contemplate their futures amid an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, hoping for a reversal of the administration's policies that have left them feeling marginalized and rejected.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the emotional turmoil faced by international students due to the recent pause in US student visa processing initiated by the Trump administration. This decision has left many prospective students, like Adefemola Akintade, feeling anxious and uncertain about their future educational plans in the United States. The article not only captures the personal stories of affected students but also touches on broader themes of fear and censorship in the context of studying abroad.
Intent Behind the Article
The primary intent appears to be to evoke empathy and concern regarding the challenges international students face, particularly in relation to the sudden changes in visa policies. By sharing personal anecdotes, the article aims to illustrate the human impact of bureaucratic decisions, creating a narrative that resonates with a wide audience.
Perception and Public Sentiment
The article cultivates a perception of fear and instability within the international student community. It emphasizes the emotional distress caused by the visa pause and the potential for increased censorship, which could deter students from expressing themselves freely on social media. This sentiment aligns with the concerns many have regarding their academic freedom in the US.
Possible Omissions
While the article focuses on the challenges posed by the visa pause, it may not fully explore the reasons behind the decision, such as security concerns or the administration's broader immigration policies. This omission could lead to a skewed understanding of the complexities involved in visa processing.
Manipulative Elements
The emotional language and personal stories presented could be seen as manipulative, aiming to sway public opinion against the administration's policies. The use of phrases like "scary and unsettling" heightens the emotional weight of the narrative, potentially influencing perceptions toward a more negative viewpoint of US immigration practices.
Realism of the Report
The article is grounded in real experiences of students, lending it an air of authenticity. However, the framing of these experiences within a context of fear could exaggerate the situation, depending on individual perspectives regarding the visa process.
Underlying Narratives
When compared to other news reports on immigration and higher education, the article reflects a recurring narrative of fear among international students, particularly during politically charged times. This aligns with other reports that highlight the impact of current policies on educational access.
Impact on Society and Economy
The potential ramifications of this article could extend to public sentiment regarding immigration policies, possibly influencing future elections or policy changes. A negative perception of the US as a destination for education could lead to decreased enrollment from international students, impacting the economy.
Support and Target Audiences
This article is likely to resonate more with student communities, educators, and advocates for immigration reform. It appeals to those who support inclusive educational opportunities and may incite advocacy for policy changes.
Market Effects
While the article may not directly impact stock markets, it could influence sectors related to education and international relations. Companies involved in student services, such as visa processing or international education consulting, may see shifts in demand based on public sentiment.
Global Power Dynamics
The theme of restricting educational access aligns with growing concerns about national security versus personal freedoms, reflecting a broader global trend in immigration policies. This issue is relevant in today's political climate, where discussions about inclusivity and freedom of expression are prominent.
Use of AI in Journalism
There is no clear indication that AI was used in writing this article, but if it were, models that analyze sentiment or generate narrative structures could have been employed. Such tools would likely enhance the emotional appeal and coherence of the stories presented.
In conclusion, while the article provides valuable insights into the struggles faced by international students amidst changing visa policies, it also raises questions about the framing of such narratives and their potential for manipulation. The emotional tone and personal accounts serve to highlight real issues, but they may also contribute to a heightened sense of fear that could affect public perception and policy discourse.