Many higher education institutions in the US, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), have advised their foreign students and staff to return from winter break before January 20, the day Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 47th President of the US. This advice has been issued given the ongoing discussion about the large-scale deportation of illegal immigrants in the US. It is estimated that there are more than 11 million illegal immigrants in the country. The recently released 'Open Doors 2024' report on international educational relations states that there are 11 lakh foreign students in the US, of which the largest number (3,30,000) is of Indian students.

There are over 400,000 undocumented students studying

The Higher and Immigration Portal estimates that there are currently more than 400,000 undocumented students pursuing higher education in the US. Students holding legitimate F-visas are unlikely to be affected by any visa restrictions imposed by the Trump administration.

MIT urges people to ignore rumors

MIT urged students not to pay attention to rumors or speculation. David C. Elwell, associate dean and director of the MIT International Students Office, said, "It is still too early to determine what the immediate impact may be on immigration and visa issues as new lawmakers will take office in early January while our new president will be sworn in on January 20, 2025." He wrote that new executive orders affecting travel and the visa process could be implemented on or after January 20.

Apart from MIT, many universities have issued advisories

.Elwell said, "In addition, the transfer of power may also affect the staff of US embassies/consulates in other countries, which may affect the visa process." Citing the above reasons, MIT has advised its foreign students and staff to return from winter break before January 20. Apart from MIT, many other universities have also issued similar advice. Wesleyan University located in Indiana has urged foreign students to return by January 19.