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Emigration and immigration

Bowdoin College Adapts to Trump's Immigration Policies

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Bowdoin College has implemented various strategies to help international students navigate the uncertainty caused by President Donald Trump's executive orders on immigration. Despite a near 22 percent drop in international student arrivals this year, the college has seen only a minor decrease in international student attendance. The Trump administration's crackdown on immigration has led to delays in scheduling visa interviews, expanded vetting, and social media screening, as well as a travel ban and restriction on immigration from several countries.

Key Takeaways:

  • The college has seen a minor decrease in international student attendance, from 35 first-year students (6.9 percent of the Class of 2028) in fall 2024 to 26 first years (5.0 percent of the Class of 2029) this past fall.
  • Dean of Students Lisa Hardej stated that international students' decisions about their public speech ultimately remain their choice, but the college provides advice on mitigating risk factors.
  • Senior Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs Jim Hoppe emphasized the importance of individual context in determining next steps for students with legal concerns.
  • Senior Vice President and General Counsel Katrina Chapman recommended that international students reach out to Dean for F-1 Visa Holders Danielle Hussey for legal concerns, as well as seek out online resources like the Maine Office of the Attorney General and the Immigration Legal Advocacy Project.
  • Associate Vice President of the Office of Safety and Security Bill Harwood advised students to be aware of their rights and carry their documentation with them when traveling off campus.
  • The Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition and People's Coalition for Safety and Justice have set up a statewide ICE watch hotline run by volunteers.
  • Director of Off-Campus Study and International Programs Christine Wintersteen stated that the OCS office has pivoted the pre-departure timeline to give international students a backup plan for studying on campus.
  • The future remains in flux for international seniors who want to stay in the United States after graduation, with some pathways like the H1-B visa heavily restricted by the Trump administration.
  • The Department of Homeland Security proposed a rule creating a fixed four-year period for F-1 visa holders that includes any time in OPT or STEM OPT, which would require international students to use their OPT in college and not after graduation.

Statistics:

  • International student arrivals have seen a near 22 percent drop this year.
  • The Trump administration's crackdown on immigration has led to a delay in scheduling visa interviews, with the Department of State halting the scheduling of new visa interviews on May 27.
  • Over this past summer, the Maine Morning Star reported a 50 percent increase in ICE arrests.
  • In April, CBP arrests hit a 24-year high.
  • The proposed rule creating a fixed four-year period for F-1 visa holders that includes any time in OPT or STEM OPT has not been confirmed.

Sources:

  • "Since President Donald Trump took office in January, college campuses throughout the country have considered the impacts of his executive orders concerning U.S. immigration policy, the increasing precarity of international students' visa statuses and the spike in Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids." [1]
  • "The Trump administration's crackdown on immigration has led to a near 22 percent dropoff in international student arrivals this year." [1]
  • "Bowdoin has seen a minor decrease in international student attendance from the last academic year--from 35 first-year students (6.9 percent of the Class of 2028) in fall 2024 to 26 first years (5.0 percent of the Class of 2029) this past fall." [1]

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