Less than a month into his second term, President Donald Trump has issued several executive orders on immigration, including policies to increase visa restrictions and enforce mass deportations. These policies have sparked concern among international students and immigrants at the University of Southern Mississippi, while new state legislation aims to enhance immigration enforcement.
Dr. Leah McSorley, Director of International Students and Scholar Services at USM, explained how these changes impact students.
“We do know that consular officials have specific guidance from the administration, and it sounds like it will be getting stricter,” McSorley said. “So just to give you an example, all of our international students must share their social media handles ahead of getting their visa appointment. Beyond the regular security checks, they’re also getting vetted on social media and other databases that the U.S. government has access to.”
The White House has said Trump’s policies are designed to "secure our border and protect American communities." This effort includes a controversial Mississippi bill, House Bill 1484, introduced by state Rep. Justin Keen on Jan. 22, 2025. The bill offers a $1,000 reward to bounty hunters for capturing undocumented immigrants and introduces a new felony offense called "trespass by an illegal alien." Those convicted could face life imprisonment without parole.
“When President Trump took office this week, he immediately recognized the emergency at our borders, rolling out executive orders to combat illegal immigration and cartels,” DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton said. “This legislation builds upon that foundation, empowering local leaders and communities to support federal efforts in protecting our citizens."
The bill's felony charge applies to any undocumented immigrant found in the state by licensed bounty hunters or law enforcement officers. Supporters of the legislation argue that it will improve public safety, but critics raise concerns about its implications for immigrants, even those residing legally in the U.S.
USM freshman Joanna Kor, whose mother is an immigrant with a green card, expressed concern.
“These laws make me more worried for my mom, because she’s an immigrant,” Kor said. “She has a green card. But every day when I call her, I make sure to ask her if she’s seen any, like, trucks around the workplace or just in the area. I just tell her to carry her green card around.”
Trump’s executive order, titled “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats,” focuses on enhanced visa screenings. It limits entry to the U.S. from nations deemed security risks, many of which are located in the Middle East. During Trump’s previous administration, countries such as Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen were subject to temporary immigration bans.
The executive order calls for thorough vetting across multiple agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department.
“The Secretary of State, in coordination with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence, shall promptly… vet and screen to the maximum degree possible all aliens who intend to be admitted, enter, or are already inside the United States, particularly those aliens coming from regions or nations with identified security risks,” the order reads.
These immigration policies are expected to impact international students at USM, who may face more challenges obtaining visas. Some students with immigrant parents are also concerned about potential legal repercussions for their families. As the debate over immigration continues, its impact on USM’s international student enrollment remains a concern.
