Trump presidency worries international students at UNC

After Donald Trump won the presidential election Wednesday, international students at UNC have had serious worries.

Currently, international students must complete a comprehensive application process through Homeland Security to study in America, said Elizabeth Barnum, director for International Student and Scholar Services.

“The process of maintaining status is also a serious obligation for all international students,” Barnum said.

Ceciel Huiberts, an American studies international student from the Netherlands, has been keeping up with the presidential election.

Huiberts’ primary concern with Trump’s campaign was not only his views on immigration, but also the potential impact on students.

“It’s not just about the student visas. My main issue with his campaign was his misogynistic and racist comments,” Huiberts said.

Huiberts said she believes it will be more difficult for students to obtain a visa and study in America in the future.

When Trump won the presidency, Huiberts said she received phone calls from her friends and family in the Netherlands, who were concerned about her status here as a student.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, an executive order under President Barack Obama, allows undocumented students ­— including some at UNC ­— who came to America as children to study here.

“The change in administration could allow a different president to end DACA with the stroke of his pen,” Barnum said.

Barnum said no students have come to her with concerns about Trump’s plans for immigration reform.

“We are continuing to think about ways how presidential orders or laws could affect our students,” Barnum said. “The reality of it is, nothing changes until the administration changes, unless Congress decides to have some sweeping reform which is so unlikely.”

Lora Razzon, a first-year biology student from Turkey, said a Trump presidency changes her views on America as a whole.

“I grew up with views that America is a very modern country and it’s the best country in the world,” said Razzon. “But even Trump being a candidate shows that America is not as modern as everyone thinks it is.”

Razzon said her biggest concern with Trump is his hate for minorities.

“People will see him as a role model and people will think that it’s okay to vocalize your hate,” Razzon said.

Huiberts said she was worried about a Trump presidency.

“I think it will affect my stay here because it changes my views on America,” she said. “It’s a big thing that Clinton won the popular vote, but her voters got screwed over.”

Barnum said even with political changes and events, the number of international students still grows each year.

“Even when the processes get more complex, the University continues to have a strong presence of global education.”

university@dailytarheel.com