5 days ago
International student weighs in after student visa applications paused
WHITE HAVEN, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Trump administration on Tuesday ordered a temporary pause on scheduling new student visas, and that could make a big difference in the lives of international students hoping for an education in America.
Right now, it is unclear which exact type of student visas and at what level of education this could impact.
But on Monday, 28/22 News visited a local international student who attends a Carbon County high school and hopes his experience could be shared by others and not taken away.
17-year-old Lucas Vasek is just focused on finishing out his finals for this year.
The international student from Slovakia is studying at Weatherly Area School District, and his exchange program in the United States is soon coming to an end.
'I was surrounded by lovely people that were always trying and willing to help me with most of the things that came along with my culture exchange program,' Vasek said.
His program began in September, and he says the last 10 months here in White Haven have been filled with studying, experiencing, and growing in new ways.
'I think everybody should be given the chance at least to see how it looks and how it works here,' Vasek added.
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As of Tuesday, that might not be an option. The Trump administration is ordering embassies to stop scheduling appointments for student visas due to a social media screening expansion.
There are three kinds of student visas: The F-1, M-1, and J-1. It is unclear yet which visas are being halted.
'Students are here for one reason, and that is to have the American experience, what a better way for us to share our cultures and for them to go home and tell their parents about the joy they had, so why would someone want to take that away?' International Student Exchange Area Director Bonnie told 28/22 News.
Vasek came to the US through a New Jersey J-1 secondary school exchange program known as International Student Exchange (ISE), which holds a portal of more than 800 students.
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Bonnie, who wishes to only go by her first name for this report, is an NEPA area director with ISE. She set up Vasek's stay in the US.
'We haven't had to react yet, and we hope we don't have to react yet, and we just continue this for many years to come,' Bonnie explained.
According to the Associated Press, the suspension is intended to be temporary and does not apply to applicants who already had scheduled their visa interviews.
Vasek's glad he's already had his experience, but hopes that other students like him wishing to study in America can have a similar experience.
'The exchange program doesn't just give you that experience with people, but it gives you a life experience you will be able to use later on in real life,' Vasek stated.
The pause will last 'until further guidance' is issued in the next few days.
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