One of the many sounds on campus is the convergence of different languages, revealing the diversity and vibrance of campus. USC is home to almost 600 new international students in the Class of 2028, accounting for 17% of the class, according to University data.

In recent months, international students have faced heightened uncertainty following federal proposals to restrict F-1 visa extensions, a congressional probe into Chinese nationals studying in the U.S. and a presidential proclamation modifying the H-1B nonimmigrant visa program. USC has also warned students to be cautious when traveling abroad, as many are experiencing visa delays and difficulties returning to the U.S. 

Zeyu Zhang, a sophomore majoring in anthropology as well as narrative studies, said that although she has had an overall positive experience at USC, recent political changes have left her uneasy about her long-term status in the U.S.

“I do feel some extent of anxiety and, of course, nervous[ness] about the situation now,” Zhang said. “I feel like I’m being more exposed to additional investigations by the government. I feel like my information is not safe, or my status here is not safe enough for me to be completely casual about this.”

An international student at USC who requested anonymity for fear of this statement being used against them and who is a member of USC’s International Student Assembly, described how visa complications in their home country nearly kept them from returning to campus in time for the fall semester.

The student said that their home country paused new visa applications during the summer since “the U.S. government changed the regulations in regards to visas and shut down all visa applications in early June,” creating a wave of uncertainty for students trying to enter the U.S. before classes began.

“That actually resulted in me missing a club retreat I was supposed to attend before school started,” the student said.

After constantly checking the application website and eventually securing a visa appointment in time, the student was able to return to USC. But many peers were not so lucky.

“Some of them scheduled interviews [for student visas] — they could only schedule interviews in September,” the student said, “Some professors were willing to make accommodations. But I do understand that a lot of other professors would prefer not to have that.”

Though the Office of International Services provided informational updates via email, Zhang said they often felt limited in scope.

“But I feel like that’s just for the information instead of guaranteeing anything,” Zeyu Zhang said.

The stress doesn’t stop after students’ arrival on campus. As the campus is filled with excitement around career fairs, international students face a different situation. Jessica Zhang, a sophomore majoring in accounting, said employment-related policies are a common source of concern in her international student circles.

“A lot of companies don’t offer sponsorship, nor are they accepting [optional practical training] or [curricular practical training],” Jessica Zhang said. “So that’s going to be a problem for international students who want to seek internships during college.”

Jessica Zhang added that on-campus jobs are also often out of reach: International students are not eligible for federally sponsored work-study, which is required for many positions on campus. In July, the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences announced itthey would only be hiring students with work-study funds in the 2025-26 academic year. 

In the absence of clear solutions, international student networks and groups step in to help fill the gap, providing social support and community communications. The ISA-affiliated student said international students should stay open to building relationships both within and beyond their cultural communities, as they can provide support to each other during these turbulent times.

 “Clubs like ISA [and the Asian Pacific American Student Assembly] have good opportunities for students to reach outside of their comfort zone while still being with people that are going through similar experiences,” the ISA-affiliated student said.

Jessica Zhang said that while there are different approaches on how to handle the uncertainty, many international students are under the same circumstances and challenges. 

“We shouldn’t rely on the things around us to change and just wait it out. I think it’s important to be proactive instead of reactive in these situations,” anonymous student said, “be cautious, but don’t be paranoid and overaware of everything.”