The Human Cost of Travel Bans: A Student’s Story
The first time Patrick Thaw saw his University of Michigan friends together since sophomore year ended was bittersweet. They were starting a new semester in Ann Arbor, while he was FaceTiming in from Singapore, stranded half a world away. This unexpected turn of events was a result of President Donald Trump’s travel ban on people from 12 countries, including Thaw’s native Myanmar.
Thaw had left the United States for a summer internship in Singapore, unaware that his decision would lead to a prolonged separation from his friends and academic pursuits. The travel ban, announced in June, caught him off guard, and he found himself stuck in Singapore, unable to return to the United States. As he reflected on his situation, Thaw expressed regret over his decision to leave the country, stating, “If I knew it was going to go down this badly, I wouldn’t have left the United States.”
Impact on International Students
The Trump administration’s travel ban and other policies have made life harder for international students, including a pause in visa appointments and additional layers of vetting. These changes have contributed to a dip in foreign enrollment for first-time students. According to Sarah Spreitzer, assistant vice president of government relations at the American Council on Education, universities have had to come up with flexible solutions, such as remote learning arrangements or offering admission to international campuses they partner with.
In Thaw’s case, a Michigan administrator suggested studying abroad as an option. However, the uncertainty surrounding the travel ban and visa obstacles ultimately led him to decide against it. Thaw’s story highlights the challenges faced by international students who are well into their U.S. college careers and are suddenly forced to navigate complex and unpredictable immigration policies.
A Desire for Education and Opportunity
Thaw’s journey to the United States was driven by a desire for education and opportunity. As a child, he set his sights on attending an American university, and his dream became more urgent as higher education opportunities dwindled in Myanmar due to civil war. When he was accepted to the University of Michigan, Thaw was elated, seeing it as a chance to start a new life and pursue his academic goals.
Thaw’s experiences in the United States have been shaped by his interactions with friends, professors, and the academic community. His curiosity and enthusiasm for learning have led him to explore various courses, including a Jewish studies class, where he impressed his professor, Cara Rock-Singer, with his thoughtful contributions. Rock-Singer noted that Thaw was always eager to “think and take risks” in his academic pursuits.
A Last-Ditch Effort to Stay Enrolled
Despite the challenges, Thaw is determined to complete his education. He has started applying to colleges outside the United States, receiving acceptance letters from schools in Australia and Canada. Thaw is holding out hope of attending the University of Toronto, which would allow his friends in Ann Arbor to visit him easily. His friend, Allison Voto, expressed her support, stating, “If he comes anywhere near me, basically on the continent of North America, I’m going to go see him.”
Thaw’s story serves as a reminder of the human cost of travel bans and the importance of supporting international students who are pursuing their academic dreams. As the United States continues to navigate complex immigration policies, it is essential to consider the impact on individuals like Thaw, who are seeking opportunity and education.
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