President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders are expected to have significant impacts on college students. One order targets Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, labeling them as violations of federal civil rights. This move aligns with the administration’s broader efforts to dismantle DEI programs across federal agencies and contractors. While the direct effects on universities are unclear, experts warn of a chilling effect on campus programs aimed at supporting underrepresented groups.
Another order reinstates a travel ban on individuals from predominantly Muslim and Arab nations, expands visa denial criteria, and mandates officials to identify countries with inadequate vetting processes. These measures could disrupt international students, scholars, and educational exchanges, creating uncertainty for those planning to study or work in the U.S.
Additional immigration directives include extreme vetting of foreign nationals and restrictions on birthright citizenship, potentially affecting children born to international students and faculty on temporary visas. These policies signal a significant shift in federal priorities, raising concerns about their long-term impact on campus diversity and international collaboration in higher education.