Visa stop of the Trump government: Students in Berlin in concern

Visa stop of the Trump government: Students in Berlin in concern

Berlin, Deutschland - The political uncertainty and the tightened visa rules of the Trump government are currently unsettling many students in Germany. In Berlin and Brandenburg in particular, some students have canceled their planned semester abroad in the United States. As rbb24 , for example, have changed their plans at the Humboldt University in Berlin. At the Free University of Berlin there were 2 of over 40, and 1 out of 29 students canceled at the Technical University of Berlin. These cancellations go back to personal concerns and take care of political developments in the USA.

Non-binary persons are particularly affected. At the TU, the cancellation of a transperson came, which illustrates the concerns in this specific student group. So far, 14 students are planning a semester abroad in the United States at the University of the Arts (UDK), while at the University of Economics and Right, 17 students have corresponding plans. According to the UDK, students should not cancel and wait for flights or reservations.

Visa procedure and new regulations

The US government has decided to initiate the procedures for student visa under the supervision of Foreign Minister Marco Rubio for the time being. This applies in particular to the visa categories f, M and J, which are intended for various study and exchange programs. The ZDF summarizes that US messages and consulates have been instructed for the time being to not assign new appointments for visa applications. However, existing appointments should continue to exist.

The measure not only affects students who want to study in the United States, but also about 10 students from the University of Potsdam who wanted to travel to the USA in September. Every year, between 8,000 and 9,000 Germans study in the United States, which underlines the scope of these regulations. Charles Kuck, a US lawyer, explains that the US government has the right to limit Visa, but expects fewer applications to be approved, which could probably lead to a decline in international students.

effects on exchange programs

The current situation does not only affect university students. According to WDR also many students in North Rhine-Westphalia and worldwide are also concerned about their upcoming exchange program. The visa stop also extends to au pair programs and participation in student exchange. In many cases, students have to change their travel plans and are now more likely to look towards Europe or Canada because personal contacts with host families and schools can exist in the USA.

The situation is reinforced by the claim of the US government for more intensive reviews of the social media accounts of visa applicants. This applies in particular to pro-Palestinian statements, which triggers additional fears in many young people. Jan Schütte from the Working Group on non-profit youth exchange reports on many concerned inquiries from parents and students, while the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) warned to rest and waited for official communications from the US government.

The University Rectors' Conference (HRK) has shown understanding for the uncertainty of international students and recommended that it wait for official information. Despite the tense situation, it remains important to find out about the current developments and regulations in order to be able to make well -founded decisions.