News Summary
A University of South Florida student, Arshia Esmaeilian, experiences anxiety over his parents’ inability to attend his graduation due to a visa ban impacting Iran and other countries. With the U.S. Department of State possibly expanding these restrictions, students express concern over their visa statuses amidst heightened immigration enforcement. USF reassures international students while resources remain available to assist those affected by the evolving situation, coinciding with the onset of hurricane season.
Tampa, Florida
A University of South Florida (USF) student, Arshia Esmaeilian, faces uncertainty regarding his parents’ ability to attend his graduation next year due to a visa ban imposed by the Trump administration. The ban, which went into effect on June 9, restricts entry from Iran, among 12 other countries. Esmaeilian, a 21-year-old senior studying chemistry, is originally from Iran and was raised in Dubai before moving to the U.S. in 2022 for his studies.
Esmaeilian described the situation as something he did not choose, emphasizing that he must navigate through this uncertainty. While he holds a valid student visa, he expressed concerns about the potential of being denied re-entry to the U.S. after international travel. This anxiety is shared by other international students at USF, particularly as the U.S. Department of State has identified an additional 36 countries, including Egypt, Nigeria, and Syria, that might face similar visa restrictions in the future.
To address these concerns, Kiki Caruson, the Vice President for USF World, indicated that the university does not anticipate significant impacts on its international student body due to the visa ban. USF World has issued travel and visa guidance for international students from countries facing potential bans, advising them to return to the U.S. before August 13 while assessing personal travel risks.
Another USF student, Amy Yacoub, who has Egyptian heritage, expressed worries that Egyptians may become subject to similar travel restrictions. Yacoub has plans to visit Egypt after her graduation but remains hopeful that the travel ban will not interfere with her plans.
The climate of anxiety around immigration is prevalent among USF’s international student community, which consists of approximately 5,401 students, making up 12% of the total student body. Many international students currently face heightened fears over their visa status, particularly as some have experienced revocations for minor infractions in a recent crackdown. The university has not disclosed specifics on the number of students affected by these actions.
Adding to this unease, international students at USF are concerned about the implications of a planned partnership between the university police and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This situation has exacerbated worries surrounding potential immigration enforcement and the broader ramifications on educational opportunities.
The upcoming hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, also contributes to the anxiety among students. USF has announced that the Marshall Student Center will have reduced hours beginning August 17, further impacting student life during this already uncertain time.
Despite the challenging environment, university resources remain available for international students who may face changes in their visa status. Esmaeilian, while not intending to leave the U.S. during this politically charged season, reflects an overall sentiment of uncertainty within the international student community at USF.
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Additional Resources
- USF International Students Travel Visa Limitations
- Wikipedia: Travel Ban
- USF International Students Losing Visas SEVIS Revoked
- Google Search: International Student Visa Restrictions
- USF International Students Concerned About Trump’s Travel Restrictions
- Google Scholar: International Students in the US
- USF’s New Global Student Center to Enhance International Student Support
- Encyclopedia Britannica: International Student
- Opinion: Protect Student Journalists at USF and Beyond
- Google News: International Student Visa News
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
