Many students in the United States who aren’t U.S. citizens say they wonder how the outcome of the presidential election will impact their residency or visa status, as well as the status of their families in the country.
Emma Tutu, a Ghanaian student at Stonehill College, said she didn’t think either of the candidates was the best choice, and that both had policies that went against what many Americans wanted including immigration status and women’s rights. She said she didn’t get too involved in the elections.
As election returns were coming in Tuesday night, she reflected on what the results would mean for her. “If Trump does win, it will affect a lot of immigrants and even some people on visas here including me and most of my family members. And if Kamala does win that will mean an opportunity for me and my family to still be in the US doing our jobs and getting the education I came here for," Tutu said.
Ugandan Student Ibrahim Saazi said “A lot of political changes can work sometimes against people’s immigration statuses, whether it is a possibility or not. As for people outside the country, they are more worried about, for example, myself as a student here, and the others that have children or other family members around.”
He also said he tried to not be too politically involved, and that he preferred to be separated for any specific categories he might be placed in.
Kenyan student Chelsea Mukuria said immigration may be the biggest thing affected. “I think what would be affected is the immigration rate and the providing of visas to international students and employees,” Mukuria said.
She said she thought the elections were very interesting with the way people voted early, and how campaigns and rallies worked.
Tatenda Otieno, a Kenyan student, said there is likely only one issue once the votes are counted. “Overall the only issue would be immigration,” she said.
Otiendo said he knew the elections were important, but in his country, he was never encouraged to participate in American politics. He also said that it being the biggest election in the world, its importance couldn’t be denied.
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