Comparing the Responses of US Higher Education Institutions to International and Undocumented Students in the Trump Era

Tensions over borders lie at the center of a growing global debate. But while politicians argue, some US higher education institutions (HEIs) have made education and protections possible for displaced students. Using securitization theory and social movement theory to examine the role of HEIs as they responded to immigration policies attempted by the Trump Administration, this article compares interventions in the United States for undocumented “DREAMers” and at-risk international students primarily from Muslim-majority countries. Both populations have been singled out as security threats by anti-immigration rhetoric and new restrictive policies. While priorities and practices of US HEIs and related agencies toward these at-risk populations indicate competing values, interests, and roles, they also evidence a humanitarian impulse to help. This article investigates the range of responses documented and concludes with recommendations for further research.