German International Students: Safe From Trump's Policies?

German international students in the US have expressed concerns about their safety following Donald Trump's re-election as president. Trump's policies and rhetoric on immigration and international cooperation have made the country seem less welcoming to international students, with some considering Germany or other European countries as alternative study destinations. Trump's administration has revoked hundreds of student visas and threatened deportation, causing uncertainty and worry among international students. However, surveys suggest that international student interest in the US has endured and even improved in some markets following Trump's re-election, citing the country's high-quality education and job prospects.

International students' perception of the US

On the other hand, Trump's re-election has improved international students' perception of the US in some markets, according to two new surveys. In India, 48% of students thought the US had become a more attractive study destination since Trump returned to the White House, and in China, this figure was 27%. International students still have a mainly positive view of studying in the US, with more than half of respondents to a February 2025 survey saying their impression of the US had improved since the 2024 election.

However, there are growing indications of uncertainty for the future. Major media outlets are reporting that the Trump administration is planning sweeping travel restrictions for citizens from over 40 countries, and the administration has already revoked 300 or more student visas, targeting foreign-born students, particularly those involved in activism, and in some cases, picking them up off the street and holding them in detention centers. Trump's "border czar," Tom Homan, has stated that the administration's deportation policy is "worst first," meaning it is prioritizing removing people with criminal records or those suspected of being national security threats.

Some universities have tried to reassure international students, with Northeastern University in Boston creating a webpage to keep current and prospective students informed, and stating that they will continue to be a "welcoming place for admitted students from all corners of the world." However, other universities, such as Bunker Hill Community College, have suspended study abroad programs, citing concerns about potential travel restrictions.

The impact of Trump's policies and rhetoric on international student enrollment in the US is difficult to predict, with some sources indicating a rise in enrollment under the Biden administration, and others forecasting a modest increase in foreign enrollments for the current academic year.

Trump's policies on immigration and international cooperation

During his presidential campaign, Trump's comments on immigration were criticised as xenophobic and racist. He has made demonizing people seeking asylum at the US-Mexico border a key element of his campaign. Trump has also promised the largest deportation effort in American history, and his administration has already overseen an increase in deportations.

Trump's policies on immigration have included the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), enacted with the Mexican President in 2019, which saw 71,000 asylum seekers sent to Mexico, including children and those with disabilities and chronic illnesses. This policy raised significant humanitarian concerns about the safety and shelter provided on the Mexican side of the border.

The Trump administration has also overseen the revocation of 300 student visas, with the administration promising to clamp down on approvals for new student visas. This has caused uncertainty for international students, with some universities creating webpages to keep students informed of the changing political climate. Trump's policies have also affected the perception of the US as a study destination for international students, with some students considering a Plan B host country in case of potential immigration challenges.

In terms of international cooperation, Trump's administration has proposed and implemented policies on a wide range of immigration issues, including asylum, deportation, refugee resettlement, and admissions from certain majority-Muslim countries. The administration has also redefined US cooperation with Mexico and Central America on migration issues, with policies that have effectively barred almost all asylum seekers.

Overall, Trump's policies on immigration and international cooperation have been characterised by a restrictive approach to immigration, increased deportations, and a focus on border enforcement with neighbouring countries. These policies have had significant impacts on international students and asylum seekers, as well as facing legal challenges and criticism for their anti-immigrant nature.

International students' physical safety in the US

International students in the US have expressed concerns about their physical safety and overall well-being in the country, particularly under the Trump administration. The rhetoric and policies of former President Donald Trump have contributed to a sense of unease and uncertainty among international students, including those from Germany.

During Trump's first term, international student enrollment declined each year, with students expressing fears about their safety and belonging in the US. Trump's policies on immigration and international cooperation have raised concerns, with some questioning whether these policies will reshape academic exchange and impact the role of countries like Germany in global academia.

The Trump administration's actions, including the revocation of student visas and the targeting of foreign-born students, have created an uncertain outlook for international students. Some students have been detained and even deported, with little warning or explanation. There are also concerns about free speech restrictions and ICE raids on college campuses. These incidents have left international students feeling rattled and uncertain about their future in the US.

However, it is important to note that the impact of Trump's reelection is varied. While some surveys suggest that it has improved international students' perception of the US in certain markets, others indicate a decline in perception. Additionally, there are mixed signals about the future, with some positive indicators, such as the modest increase in foreign enrolments forecasted by the Institute of International Education (IIE), while also noting growing uncertainties for later in the year and into 2026.

International students are a significant contributor to the US economy, with 1.1 million international students contributing $43.8 billion in the 2023-2024 academic year. Despite the appeal of high-quality education and job prospects, students are also mindful of their options and considering alternative host countries due to potential immigration challenges.

The impact of Trump's re-election on German and international academia

Trump's re-election has had a significant impact on German and international academia, with many students and scholars expressing concerns about their safety, freedom of expression, and physical well-being. The Trump administration's policies and rhetoric have made the US seem less welcoming to international students, including those from Germany.

During his first term, international student enrollment dropped each year, and German exchange students in the US, like Tessa Hirsch, a journalism student at the University of Memphis, have voiced fears for their safety. Hirsch's concerns reflect the unease felt by many international students navigating the political landscape of the US under Trump's presidency. Professor Tanjev Schultz from Johannes Gutenberg University in Germany warned that the political climate could deter students from studying in the US.

Trump's policies on immigration and international cooperation have raised concerns globally, leading German and international students to question whether academic exchange programs will be reshaped. The relationship between German and US academic institutions has been robust, characterized by exchange programs and collaborative research. However, this partnership is now under strain, especially with Trump's hints at dismantling the Department of Education.

The impact of Trump's re-election extends beyond German students, as international students from various countries are also affected. In the 2023-2024 academic year, 1.1 million international students in the US contributed $43.8 billion to the economy and supported over 378,000 jobs. However, the Trump administration's actions, such as revoking 300 or more student visas and arresting foreign students in their dorms, have created an uncertain outlook for international students. Some students have been detained and even deported for their activism or participation in protests, raising concerns about freedom of expression and physical safety.

While Trump's re-election has improved international students' perception of the US in some markets, the policy environment remains unstable. Almost half of Interstride respondents considered a 'Plan B' host country due to potential immigration challenges. The impact of Trump's re-election on German and international academia is complex, with students weighing the risks and benefits of pursuing higher education in the US.

The US economy and international students

International students are a significant contributor to the US economy, and their presence supports hundreds of thousands of jobs. In the 2021/22 academic year, international students contributed $33.8 billion to the US economy and supported more than 335,000 jobs. This figure increased to over $40 billion in the 2022-2023 academic year, with more than 1 million international students studying in the US. The economic impact of international students is not limited to tuition fees; they also contribute to the economy through their daily living expenses, such as accommodation, transportation, and other goods and services.

The US has long been a top destination for international students due to its high-quality education and job prospects. However, the Trump administration's policies and rhetoric have created a sense of uncertainty and concern among international students considering studying in the US. There have been reports of international students being arrested and deported, as well as threats to clamp down on new student visas. These developments have made international students cautious about expressing their opinions and even about their physical safety.

Despite these concerns, the demand for US higher education among international students remains strong. In 2025, two surveys revealed that Trump's re-election improved international students' perception of the US in some markets. In India, 48% of students, and in China, 27% of students thought the US had become a more attractive study destination since Trump returned to the White House. This interest may be due to the perception of stronger educational ties between the US and India, as well as the evolving policy environments in other leading study destinations like the UK and Australia.

International students are not just important for the US economy; they also contribute significantly to the advancement of technology, research, and innovation. A startup visa that allows international students to remain in the country after graduation could be beneficial for the US, as it would encourage more students to stay and grow businesses, further contributing to economic growth.

In conclusion, international students make essential contributions to the US economy and society as a whole. While there have been challenges and uncertainties under the Trump administration, the enduring appeal of US higher education indicates that international students continue to see the US as a desirable destination for their studies.

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