The Unspoken Truth about “Aliens” in COFs – “Citizens of the World”-Serving Institutions

• In Event: International Students and Experiences

Abstract

Previous literature characterize international students as an exceptionally vulnerable group within higher education settings, emphasizing their reluctance to voice their challenges due to concerns about the potential impact on their immigration status. Indeed, former studies hardly dig into the “deep” reality of immigration due to the delicacy of the international students’ status. Therefore, this study further explores a hidden truth about international students’ challenges that have been barely spoken in previous empirical research. This study explores how immigration rules might affect international students’ experiences in US academic institutions. It addresses the issues of inclusion affecting this students’ body retention in the US higher education system due to immigration restrictions. Therefore, the precarious legal status of international students is threatening the country’s economic development.

Authors

• Meryem Mekouar, Florida International University

• Tiberio Garza, Florida International University