Caltech Welcomes International Students Amid Immigration Uncertainties

Incoming international students with orientation leaders. (Photo: I.S.P.)

On September 17, international students arrived on Caltech’s campus to attend a 3-day orientation meant to ease their transition to the United States. The group consisted of both undergraduate and graduate students, including exchange students from the U.K. and Denmark. An array of snacks and essential items were available for anyone to grab at the Center for Student Services building, with orientation leaders aiding the move-in process.

The next day, vibrant conversations in multiple languages could be heard from Beckman Mall as the incoming internationals convened for breakfast. The welcome event started off with a bang, with award-winning drummer Danny Petersen performing in Ramo Auditorium. Born in apartheid South Africa, Petersen has played at three of Nelson Mandela’s birthday parties. At the end of the performance, Petersen discussed his experience parenting his precocious son—who studied at the Manhattan School of Music—and the importance of keeping contact with family and community members back home.

Danny Petersen plays the drum with audience members. (Photo: I.S.P.)

EXPLiCIT, the theater club on campus, followed with a culture shock comedy sketch for both the entertainment and education of its viewers. The plot revolved around Ankan, a Sri Lankan student who recently arrived at Caltech, and his mishaps regarding cultural norms in America. Topics included not knowing anyone at parties, eating and drinking in class, alcohol consumption in open containers, and more. It made for a relatable performance as the actors were international students themselves.

Another sketch about the basics of immigration was performed by orientation leaders and Laura Flower Kim, Associate Director of International Student Programs (I.S.P.). In one scene, an international student with health problems discussed taking time off from school and its visa implications. In another, a second-year graduate student expressed concerns about a friend receiving scam phone calls. The play also covered subjects such as employment, the Optional and Curricular Practical Training programs, and how to deal with visa expirations.

While the events prepared by I.S.P. were light-hearted in nature, the shadow of federal actions that continue to impact foreign national students in the U.S remained. When asked about the efforts that Caltech is making to protect its international students, Ilana Smith, Director of International Offices, said her office worked closely with campus security and the Office of General Counsel over the summer to determine the best ways to support international students.

“Fall term is always exciting as it is a new beginning,” she noted. “But we have also had to prepare for legal changes that have occurred throughout the summer. As you may know, there was a pause on visa approvals, and we were very worried, but it seems everyone [at Caltech] has been resolved.”

Regarding the effect of recent immigration changes on enrollment, Smith stated that there was no noticeable difference from the past. According to statistics released by the undergraduate admissions office, the Class of 2029’s enrollment percentage for international students was 14%, which was in line with previous years. In addition, Smith remarked that “scrutiny on social media had not led to any specific negative outcomes.”

With the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.) raids in L.A. that occurred during the summer, it can feel frightening to consider the prospects of an I.C.E. official on campus. If such an event happens, the International Offices have a concrete procedure for community members to follow: 1. Let security know the nature of the immigration officer’s visit, and 2. Inform the officer that you are not authorized to grant access to private spaces. Smith noted that officers are able to access public spaces but not private ones, such as student housing, offices, and classrooms, unless the Office of General Counsel permits them to do so.

Although these changes can be frightening, evidence points towards the conclusion that Caltech students have largely been safe thus far. Concerned international students can check their inbox regularly for weekly emails from I.S.P. and keep up-to-date with relevant news. Smith underscored the importance of international students and what they each contribute to the Institute. “Even in these stressful and evolving times, we’re really excited to welcome new international students to campus and our Caltech community.”