Introduction
The Trump administration’s immigration policies marked a significant departure from previous norms, leaving a profound impact on international students in the U.S. With stringent visa restrictions and heightened enforcement, these measures created an environment of uncertainty. As a result, international student enrollment decreased while anxieties among students increased. Examining these policies through Michel Foucault’s framework of governmentality, power, and the panopticon reveals how they shaped behaviors and influenced higher education.
Foucault’s Framework: Understanding Power and Control
Michel Foucault’s theories provide a lens to analyze how power is exercised through control mechanisms. His concepts of governmentality, power, and the panopticon are especially relevant.
- Governmentality: Power is exerted not only through laws but also through norms and expectations that regulate behavior.
- Power: This concept explains how control operates through relationships, influencing actions without explicit coercion.
- The Panopticon: Foucault used this metaphor to illustrate how the mere possibility of surveillance leads individuals to self-regulate their behavior.
Trump’s Policies: A Climate of Restriction
Upon taking office, the Trump administration swiftly implemented policies such as the travel ban, stricter visa scrutiny, and increased deportation efforts. These actions, while justified as national security measures, disproportionately affected international students. For example, new international student enrollment declined by 7% during the 2017-2018 academic year (IIE, 2019). This downturn highlights how fear and uncertainty deterred students from pursuing education in the U.S.
Governmentality: Shaping Student Behavior
Trump’s immigration policies exemplify governmentality by enforcing rules that led international students to self-regulate. For instance, F-1 visa holders faced intensified oversight, where even minor non-compliance risked severe consequences like deportation. Additionally, the expansion of SEVIS turned universities into agents of surveillance, further pressuring students to conform.
Power and Surveillance: A Relational Dynamic
The pervasive atmosphere of scrutiny exemplified Foucault’s concept of power as relational and omnipresent. International students were not just subject to government surveillance but also felt the weight of institutional monitoring. As a result, many avoided politically sensitive activities, fearing how their actions might be perceived by authorities.
The Panopticon Effect: Self-Regulation Through Fear
Living under constant surveillance, real or perceived, forced international students to self-regulate their behavior. This phenomenon aligns with Foucault’s panopticon, where the fear of being watched compels individuals to discipline themselves. Consequently, students often avoided discussions or activities that could highlight their immigration status, limiting their campus involvement and personal growth.
Broader Implications for Higher Education
The consequences of these policies extended beyond the students themselves. International students enrich campus diversity and contribute significantly to research and the economy. However, the hostile immigration climate under Trump jeopardized the U.S.’s position as a global leader in higher education. Furthermore, universities, tasked with enforcing these policies, risked undermining trust with their international student populations.
Conclusion
Trump’s immigration policies, analyzed through Foucault’s framework, reveal their profound impact on international students and higher education. These measures were not only about border control but also about shaping behaviors and creating a culture of surveillance.
To regain its reputation as a welcoming destination, the U.S. must foster an inclusive and supportive environment for international students. By addressing these challenges, policymakers and educational institutions can rebuild trust and maintain the country’s status as a global beacon for education.