the Cypress Lake Wire

By Anna Sonnier

Many international college students across the United States fear that their temporary student visa status may be revoked as the Trump Administration cracks down on immigrants and students.

In June of this year, the president halted all F, J, and M category student visa applications as the administration implemented a new aspect of the screening process: social media monitoring.

The U.S. Department of State website says that they “must be vigilant during the visa issuance process to ensure that those applying for admission into the United States do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests, and that all applicants credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought, including that they intend to engage in activities consistent with the terms for their admission.”

Dr. Rose Honegger, associate director of global engagement at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, said that they are urging current international students to refrain from posting anything controversial to their social media accounts, including anything political or anti-American.

An international student from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, who wishes to remain anonymous, explained that at UL Lafayette, “I feel unsafe. I feel unsafe because I feel like I am afraid that he’s going to cut scholarship programs, and I also feel like he can rebuke anyone’s status, including mine.”

The student didn’t have anything to adjust or remove from his social media accounts because he prefers to keep his political views private, discussing them only with trustworthy people who share the same beliefs.

He’s been in the U.S. for nine years and will graduate in the Fall of 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and a minor in secondary education. He plans to return to Honduras upon graduation until he can obtain a Permanent Resident Card, also known as a green card.

The student expressed his gratitude for UL Lafayette, stating, “I am able to be myself, represent my culture the way it’s supposed to be with no fear, and I am able to lead a whole Spanish club and learn about new cultures.”

In alignment with his words, Honegger says that the university is dedicated to making their students feel as safe as possible. The university has reassured her and the international students that if a situation arises where U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement appears on campus, the university is prepared to protect their students’ safety, above all else. She is certain that plans are in place in the case that does happen.

The students have received advice from credible sources through the university about how to act in accordance with stricter guidelines. Honegger says this means always carrying their student visas and documentation with them. It also means avoiding any sort of political protests or movements and being wary of what they post on social media.

For now, the most important thing is keeping the students safe, happy, and making sure they can graduate. The university says they are dedicated to making sure that happens.