Trump's student visa suspension spreads anxiety, anger in Japan
Their plans have been thrown into turmoil since the Donald Trump administration on May 27 ordered U.S. embassies and consulates around the world to temporarily stop accepting appointments for interviews for student visas.
According to U.S. media, the visas affected are for full-time academic studies, cultural exchanges and vocational schools in the United States. Interviews that have already been scheduled can still be conducted.
The period of suspension will continue until further instructions are issued by the U.S. State Department within the next few days, according to the reports.
'Oh no,' said a man in his 30s in Tokyo after seeing the news.
He said he was about to apply for a student visa to study at a graduate school in the United States this summer.
'I'm just going to have to wait and see first,' he said. 'I wonder what is going to happen now.'
The United States is the most popular destination for study-abroad students from Japan, and thousands of Japanese could be affected by the U.S. action.
'We are still confirming the details,' a senior education ministry official said. 'But if true, we believe it will have a very significant impact, and not just on those who are planning to study in the United States in the future.'
SOCIAL MEDIA FEARS, TOO
Obtaining a U.S. visa usually requires an interview at an embassy or consulate.
An 18-year-old who plans to attend a U.S. university from September expressed fears despite having completed the interview required to obtain a student visa.
'Now that the interview is done, all I can do is wait,' he said.
Studying in the United States is his only education option since he has not entered a Japanese university since graduating from high school, he said.
'I'm worried that I won't be able to go to the United States,' he said.
The teenager cited another source of concern.
The Trump administration is considering strengthening its monitoring of social media posts written by people who want to study in the United States.
The student said that since April, he has been careful about what he posts on Instagram on the advice of his study abroad agent.
'VICTIMS OF CIRCUMSTANCE'
According to a survey conducted by the Japan Student Services Organization, 89,179 Japanese students were studying abroad in fiscal 2023. Of them, the largest number--13,517--were in the United States.
'The students have done nothing wrong,' said Taichi Nitta, vice principal of Tokyo Metropolitan Kokusai High School. 'They are victims of circumstance.'
The school offers an international baccalaureate course that prepares students for universities abroad. Three of its students are scheduled to enter U.S. universities in September.
'We don't know what the future holds, so we have to follow the information,' Nitta said. 'I hope that the students will be able to do what they want to do.'
The Tokyo University of Foreign Studies usually sends around 80 students to the United States for short-term and long-term studies.
According to a university spokesperson, about 30 students are scheduled to travel to the United States from around August. Some of them have yet to obtain student visas.
'We are afraid they will be affected from now,' the spokesperson said. 'All we can do now is gather information.'
EF Education First Japan, a Tokyo-based study-abroad support company, has received inquiries from students since the Trump administration's pause was reported.
'Can I get a visa?' one student asked. 'I am anxious because I am about to apply for a visa.'
A company official noted that it was still possible to book an interview through the U.S. Embassy's website.
'There is a possibility that (the process) will be suspended in the future, so please apply for the visa now,' the official told the student.
Students who plan to enroll in U.S. schools in September generally apply for visas in June or July, the official said.
'We may have to propose other countries, such as Canada and Australia,' the staff member said.
Midori Matsunaga, director of the study abroad guidance department at Agos Japan Inc., a Tokyo-based prep school, said, 'I hope that students will not be swayed by speculation and will remain calm and obtain the correct information.'
She said she tells students who plan to travel to the United States in autumn: 'We expect you will receive suggestions and instructions from the colleges you plan to attend. Do not panic and wait for further updates.'
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