Several prominent universities across the United States have issued urgent travel advisories to international students, particularly those from South Asia, urging them to reconsider plans to travel abroad during the upcoming summer break.
The advisories come in light of escalating global tensions and shifting U.S. immigration policies, which university officials warn could lead to difficulties—or even outright denial—of re-entry into the country for non-citizens.
The University of California, Berkeley, was among the first to raise alarm, describing international travel as a “risk” in the current political climate. Other institutions, including those with large international student populations, have since echoed this warning, citing growing uncertainty around border policies and security conditions abroad.
“There is increasing concern that students who travel overseas—especially to areas experiencing political unrest—may find themselves unable to return in time for the next academic term,” a Berkeley spokesperson told 24NewsHD TV.
The warning is especially significant for students from Pakistan and India, who form a large portion of the U.S. international student body. With elections, protests, and diplomatic tensions rising in several regions, university officials fear students could be inadvertently caught in legal or bureaucratic limbo.
Further reinforcing the concern, the president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) advised students to seek professional immigration guidance before finalizing any travel arrangements.
“Given the unpredictability of U.S. immigration enforcement and the broader global instability, it’s vital that international students consult with legal experts to avoid jeopardizing their visa status,” said the AILA president in a statement.
The advisories come at a time when U.S. universities are still recovering from post-pandemic enrollment disruptions and are working to retain their international student communities, which contribute significantly to campus diversity and university revenue.
Many institutions have offered virtual alternatives for students who choose to remain in the U.S. during the summer, along with legal clinics and workshops to help navigate travel-related concerns.
With summer break approaching, universities are urging students to weigh their options carefully—and prioritize their long-term academic and immigration status over short-term travel plans.