In the very first weeks after President Donald Trump took office, he released a slew of executive orders addressing all different issues. Some of those had to do with those who traveled to the U.S. on a visa, and some specifically targeted international students studying on visas. One specific executive order targets student visa holders who may have participated in protests on campus in 2024 during the student encampment movements, which were in response to institutions’ financial support of Israel’s ongoing attacks on Palestine. At the time that we began developing this story, no actions had been taken suggesting that these orders from the current executive administration might lead to real consequences. Sentiments on campus at the New School were more skeptical than fearful or nervous. Now, international students at schools across the country have actually faced repercussions because of these executive orders and have had their student visas rescinded and faced deportation because of it. Tensions on campus have risen, as the New School was one of the universities at the forefront of the 2024 pro-Palestine protests, and the administration is preparing for any acts that could jeopardize the safety of their students. 

Produced by: Izzy Hall, Simon Jones, Juliana Krigsman, Taz Zamri

Photo credit: Simon Jones