After US President Donald Trump re-entered the political stage, many international students — especially those holding F-1 visas — are once again facing the familiar anxiety of uncertain immigration policy.
As an immigration attorney, and once an F-1 student myself, I understand that fear deeply. I came to the US from Taiwan for graduate school, went through optional practical training (OPT), submitted thousands of resumes and anxiously waited for a sponsor willing to file my H-1B. That experience shaped my empathy and approach to helping others.
The US Department of State’s 2024 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange said that Taiwanese enrollment in US universities rose from 21,834 to 23,157 students in the 2023-2024 academic year. While the numbers reflected Taiwan’s continued faith in US education, behind them lie administrative hurdles, political uncertainties and immense personal stress that are rarely discussed.
During Trump’s first term, F-1 students faced intensified scrutiny at US borders. Some were asked to unlock their phones, held for extended questioning or even denied entry. I frequently heard concerns such as “I am just here to study — why am I being treated like a threat?”
OPT and science, technology, engineering and mathematics OPT also came under political fire. Proposals during the Trump years sought to limit eligibility or eliminate key benefits. The efforts created fear among students who relied on the programs for post-graduate work. Even now, I am asked: “If my F-1 visa expires, can I return to Taiwan to renew it?” The answer is: It depends. Each case must be carefully assessed based on personal risk and the American Institute in Taiwan review climate.
Another emerging concern is the scrutiny of social media. Since 2019, US visa forms require disclosure of all social media handles used in the past five years. While private cloud albums such as Google Photos are not reviewed, public posts — even on personal accounts — could trigger concern. Setting profiles to private or deleting content might lead to suspicion. One student’s visa was delayed after their social media activity raised questions during the interview.
I have also been asked by some engineers from Hsinchu: “Can I apply for a National Interest Waiver [NIW] while outside the US?” The answer is yes — if you could show that your work significantly benefits the US.
Over the past few years, I have helped Taiwanese engineers, pilots, researchers and physicians secure green cards under the NIW without relocating.
The key is preparation. Immigration policies might change, but the importance of early planning does not. Understanding your potential paths — OPT, H-1B, NIW — could provide security. Waiting until the last minute often leads to missed opportunities and added stress.
If Trump’s return brings new restrictions, we must be ready. For international students, the takeaway is clear: The more you know and the earlier you prepare, the better you can steer your future.
Danny Chen is a US visa and immigration attorney, and founder of the Green Maple Law Group.
The cancelation this week of President William Lai’s (賴清德) state visit to Eswatini, after the Seychelles, Madagascar and Mauritius revoked overflight permits under Chinese pressure, is one more measure of Taiwan’s shrinking executive diplomatic space. Another channel that deserves attention keeps growing while the first contracts. For several years now, Taipei has been one of Europe’s busiest legislative destinations. Where presidents and foreign ministers cannot land, parliamentarians do — and they do it in rising numbers. The Italian parliament opened the year with its largest bipartisan delegation to Taiwan to date: six Italian deputies and one senator, drawn from six
Recently, Taipei’s streets have been plagued by the bizarre sight of rats running rampant and the city government’s countermeasures have devolved into an anti-intellectual farce. The Taipei Parks and Street Lights Office has attempted to eradicate rats by filling their burrows with polyurethane foam, seeming to believe that rats could not simply dig another path out. Meanwhile, as the nation’s capital slowly deteriorates into a rat hive, the Taipei Department of Environmental Protection has proudly pointed to the increase in the number of poisoned rats reported in February and March as a sign of success. When confronted with public concerns over young
Taiwan and India are important partners, yet this reality is increasingly being overshadowed in current debates. At a time when Taiwan-India relations are at a crossroads, with clear potential for deeper engagement and cooperation, the labor agreement signed in February 2024 has become a source of friction. The proposal to bring in 1,000 migrant workers from India is already facing significant resistance, with a petition calling for its “indefinite suspension” garnering more than 40,000 signatures. What should have been a straightforward and practical step forward has instead become controversial. The agreement had the potential to serve as a milestone in
China has long given assurances that it would not interfere in free access to the global commons. As one Ministry of Defense spokesperson put it in 2024, “the Chinese side always respects the freedom of navigation and overflight entitled to countries under international law.” Although these reassurances have always been disingenuous, China’s recent actions display a blatant disregard for these principles. Countries that care about civilian air safety should take note. In April, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) canceled a planned trip to Eswatini for the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s coronation and the 58th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic
RSS