By Isaac Piper
Tri-C is a college with many international students. However, with concerns over the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) increasing their force, being an international student isn’t as appealing as before. Delfina Borges De Carvalho, a 19-year-old anthropology student from Argentina explains new factors and why she chose schooling in Latin America rather than the U.S.
Borges De Carvalho was born and raised in Argentina. Currently she attends a public university she described as “one of the best in all of Latin America.” For here and all other students there, tuition is free.
This tuition cost was highlighted multiple times. “Cost is the most important factor.” Argentina’s affordable and accessible universities made them a strong choice. Any other university, especially international, would be tough to stand a chance. When Tri-C’s scholarship opportunities were outlined, showing that tuition could also be free, Borges De Carvalho showed initial interest. However, the elephant in the room made itself apparent when ICE was brought up.
“The ICE situation is a barrier,” she said. “It’s not about adapting-it’s about survival.”
Borges De Carvalho notes that conversations about ICE have only grown, both in her personal circle and in the larger Latin America region. Regardless of Latin America’s differing political beliefs, she believes these concerns to be widely shared.
“Even people who might be considered right leaning are still opposed to ICE and strict immigration control.” She then added that many Argentines feel their own sense of difference, another barrier in becoming an international student in the current climate.
“We are different, and everyone knows that here… No matter how you look or where your roots are from, people feel that wouldn’t matter there [U.S.A]”
When the idea that many U.S. colleges have taken opposition towards ICE, Borges De Carvalho was first surprised before realizing that it aligned with her own personal view of higher education establishments. “College is a place of inclusivity.”
As it currently stands, the barriers to becoming an international student are just too strong. Fear and anxiety of ICE is spreading through conversations in Latin America’s students even before they potentially choose to study in the U.S.
“The risk is just too high.”
