The announcement of new immigration regulations has caused a ripple effect throughout Edmond College, particularly among the international student community.
For students who already face unique challenges navigating life away from home, the new policies have added layers of concern and questions about adaptation.
According to several international students at the college, uncertainty and fear about what might happen have added significant stress to already busy lives and prompted changes in their academic plans, social interactions and future aspirations. Some of the students asked that their full names not be used for this story.
Edmonds student Mario Lopez said that his worries have prompted him to curtail some of the things he enjoys, including exercise routines.
“For me, it’s been hard to focus,” Lopez, a psychology student from Honduras, said. “I’ve had to cut back on activities I like to make more time for staying on top of my academics– going out to run seems too dangerous now.”
Thomas, a computer science major from Vietnam, shared a similar sentiment, though he has taken a slightly different approach. “The announcement caught me off guard, but I’ve been trying to transfer my energy into my studies,” he said. “Still I’m worried about how long I’ll be able to stay focused if things don’t improve.”
Many students highlighted how they engage with faculty in class. “Some professors have been really understanding and have asked me how I’m doing,” said Larissa, a nursing major from Mexico. “That support means a lot, especially now that my family feels unsafe too.”
With their futures now unclear, some international students are rethinking their plans for the future.
“For the first time, I considered whether I should transfer to [a] university in Canada instead of a state in the U.S.” said Hope, a student from Nigeria. “The regulations made me question if this is where I want to build my future.”
Clara from Honduras is also unsure about her aspirations. “I’ve always remembered wanting to start my own business here after graduating with my mom,” she said. “Now, I don’t know if that’s realistic anymore. Everything feels up in the air.”
When I ask about how supported they feel, students said the college seems to be stepping up.
“The administration has been helpful,” Lopez said. “Emails and employee resources are helpful for us with the changes, but it feels like they are unsure, too.”
When it came to safety, students were divided.
“I don’t feel like I’m safe to speak on this to be honest– both physically and emotionally. I’m scared of it,” Larissa said. “I know nobody on campus will probably hurt me or something like that but just the presence of ICE is enough to scare me away.”
Clara however, expressed a more neutral perspective. “I still feel safe,” she said, “but I am more cautious in class when people talk about immigration statuses.”
Financial worries are another concern. “I’m worried about losing my scholarship. I can meet certain requirements,” Larissa said. “Finding a part-time job feels harder now. They told me that if I spoke English life would be easier, but now it just feels frustrating.”
Clara agreed. “I’ve started saving more because I don’t know what can happen,” she said. “I just want to be sure of the future.”
Students had clear ideas about how the college can provide support, “Just keep updating us, honestly, and let us know what we can and cannot do,” Thomas said.
Lopez said that he “wishes that more international students came together with non-international ones… so it feels like I have an ally, you know?”
