Trump 2.0: Opportunity or challenge for S. Korean students in the U.S.?

Quite a number of young Korean scholars have chosen to further broaden their academic horizons by seeking studies in the U.S.

So how does Mr. Trump's return to the White House look to affect their plans?

Our Lee Eun-hee takes a look.

Now that Donald Trump is back in office, what does his second term mean for South Korean students in the U.S.?

Is it an emerging challenge or possibly a new opportunity?

The latest data shows that there are over 45-thousand Korean students in the U.S., ranking third in terms of the largest international student populations, following China and India.

Given Trump's first-term "America First" immigration policies, which focused on stricter visa rules and limiting post-graduation work opportunities, there are concerns about the impact on Korean students.

However, there may also be areas of focus that could open new pathways for international students in fields like technology, engineering, and research.

A "STEM visa" is commonly used to refer to visa options available for those pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics fields, including the F-1 student visa with additional work opportunities.

A recent graduate from grad school in data science in 2024 and currently working in the United States, Kim Kyu-hyun gives us more details.

"It's a policy that benefits the United States mostly. Of course, individuals working in the United States can also benefit but it's a policy to retain talent in the country. So I don't think it'll be in the best interests of anyone to cancel or revoke the STEM, OPT or H-1B policy but I do think that it might be less friendlier than before in that it'll be more selective of who gets the stem visa."

In June 2024, while running for president, Donald Trump proposed to offer green cards to international students who graduate from American schools.

This could be a potential game-changer for those looking to build their futures in the United States, but with over a million international students in the U.S., questions remain.

"He claimed it would be implemented right after taking office, but many experts are skeptical about its feasibility due to the scale of the proposal. There are doubts about whether Trump and his current team can actually make it happen."

The professor also added that, although Korean students in the United States may not be directly affected for now, under the Trump administration, it's likely that the overall environment in American society could become more unwelcoming for international students.

"Visa policies and restrictions could add an extra layer of complexity for international students like me. But I see these challenges as an opportunity to refine my strategies and explore alternative pathways."

While the direct impact on international students may not be immediate, the shifting atmosphere in American society could present new challenges, making it important to stay adaptable and prepared for any changes ahead.

Lee Eun-hee, Arirang News.