US Universities Warn International Students on Summer Travel Amid Visa Relief

The Trump administration's recent decision to restore legal status to international students who lost it has offered some comfort, yet universities are still warning students about the risks of traveling abroad this summer.

While the administration has proposed this, universities such as the University of California, Berkeley, and Duke University recommend that international students refrain from traveling abroad unless absolutely necessary due to the unpredictable nature of immigration policy.

"A valid visa does not guarantee of entry into the U.S. because of the broad discretion that is given to Customs & Border Protection officers at entry points," Duke University cautioned in a statement to its international community.

"Duke visa service for students and faculty" also instructed students to "avoid international travel unless necessary." They also said, "If international travel is unavoidable, and you have questions or concerns about your future travel, we suggest you talk to your Duke Visa Services liaison."

The warning comes after the cancellation of visas for numerous students in the past weeks, with the administration referring to national security concerns. However, numerous students claim they were singled out due to their activism, particularly concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The administration has consented to reinstate student records and legal status while creating a new structure for rescinding immigration records. However, universities are still wary, stating that having a valid visa does not ensure access to the US because of the authority given to Customs and Border Protection officers.

In a lawsuit, an attorney for the government made a statement in federal court in Oakland, California, indicating that ICE was restoring student status for those whose records had been cancelled in the past weeks, as reported by PTI.

As per media reports, no fewer than five campuses have alerted their international communities, emphasizing the dangers related to returning to the US. Students are encouraged to reach out to their university's visa services representative if they have any questions or issues regarding their upcoming travel.