The recent U.S. presidential election has sparked widespread reactions at Wellesley College, a campus known for its diverse student body, which includes a significant number of international students. For these students, the election results hold both personal and far-reaching implications, as U.S. policies can resonate globally, affecting international relations, trade, immigration, and social dynamics.
A Global Perspective on American Politics
For many international students, the U.S. election is not only an academic exercise in political science but a real-world event that influences their lives, both in the United States and in their home countries. The outcomes and policies that follow an election of this magnitude often shape diplomatic relations and economic policies, extending their reach to citizens across the globe. For students like Lyla Ma, a first-year student from Shanghai, China, witnessing a democratic election firsthand offered both an eye-opening experience and a cause for concern.
“The result was heartbreaking to me; not only does it greatly affect my immigration prospect, which is gloomy at this point, but it also shows that a large part of the world is growing more conservative,” Ma said. She shared that her initial intention was to observe the election from a passive viewpoint. However, as the implications became clearer, Ma found herself more emotionally invested, particularly due to the impact of U.S. immigration policy shifts on her future plans. “I am indeed unsure and scared of what is to come, but I find comfort knowing that I have siblings here with me,” she said, referring to the support system of international peers at Wellesley.
Dual Citizens Reflect on Policy Implications
For some Wellesley students, U.S. election results hit closer to home due to dual citizenship, enabling them to vote in the election. Meera Baswan, a sophomore who holds both Canadian and U.S. citizenship, voted in the recent election for the first time. Her dual-nationality status brings an added layer of complexity to her experience, as she considers how policies might impact both the United States and Canada. Reflecting on a potential second term for Donald Trump, Baswan voiced concerns about trade and protectionism.
“Given Trump’s infamous protectionist policies, I’m concerned about how his presidency will affect trade relations between Canada and the U.S., especially with his plan to impose 10% tariffs on all imported goods,” Baswan explained. “The policy … would both increase the prices of goods here in the U.S. and negatively hit the Canadian economy, which relies on the U.S. as its biggest trade partner.” Baswan pointed out that economic interdependence between the U.S. and Canada means such policies could have a ripple effect, affecting industries on both sides of the border.
In addition to economic concerns, Baswan highlighted the growing ideological divide between Canadian and American political systems. While Canada’s political landscape also features both right- and left-wing parties, Baswan noted that the Canadian Conservative Party maintains generally moderate stances on social issues, closer to the values of U.S. Democrats rather than the more conservative Republican platform. “The Republicans in the U.S. have adopted increasingly extreme rhetoric on issues like abortion and immigration,” she said. This ideological shift has prompted Baswan to monitor how Canada’s relationship with the U.S. might be reshaped over the next four years.
Navigating a Complex First Voting Experience in the U.S.
For Sanika Merchant, a junior who grew up in India as a U.S. citizen, this election season marked her first time participating in a U.S. election while physically present in the country. She described her experience as “eye-opening,” noting the emotional gravity and the sense of civic responsibility that came with being able to cast a ballot.
“I made great efforts to properly familiarize myself with the different candidates’ policies and be as involved in election-related events as possible,” Merchant said. On election night, her anticipation and anxiety were palpable. “It was emotional and overwhelming,” she recalled, especially as she saw how close the race was. Merchant reflected that the results prompted her to consider the socio-political implications for her family members in both the United States and India.
Merchant also expressed concerns about how future immigration policies could affect her family’s ability to travel or move to the United States. “Potential policy changes could pose significant implications for my family’s long-term plans,” she added. Her academic background in economics led her to consider the broader economic effects of the election as well. “Policy changes, such as immigration and international tariffs, could pose serious implications for inflation in the U.S. Given our recovery from sky-high inflation during the pandemic, I think this is an important matter to consider,” she said.
A Campus Engaged in Political Discourse
Wellesley College has a longstanding tradition of engaging students in meaningful political discussions, and the 2024 election has proven to be no exception. The wide range of perspectives among international students adds depth to these discussions, allowing for a more comprehensive examination of how U.S. policies affect individuals around the world.
Tomiris Kaliyeva, a student union leader, mentioned how the election season has inspired student-led initiatives to foster dialogue on campus. “We’re obviously worried. We try to make sure that the education quality and security are consistent here. Those are two of our main concerns right now,” said Kaliyeva, who advocates for keeping international tuition steady amidst financial challenges at the college.
Kaliyeva, who is originally from Kazakhstan, stated that the administration has implemented austerity measures in response to financial pressures, which she learned about at the end of September. She expressed her commitment to working with campus leaders to protect students’ interests, including limiting potential tuition hikes that could adversely affect international students.
Looking Ahead: The Role of International Students in the U.S. Political Landscape
While the election is over, international students at Wellesley College are left grappling with the long-term effects of its outcome. They are keenly aware that the next four years may bring shifts in U.S. policy that could impact everything from immigration processes to economic dynamics. Despite not having voting rights, most international students are still highly invested in understanding the country’s political landscape and advocating for policies that align with their values.
Reflecting on the uncertain path ahead, students like Baswan and Merchant intend to stay informed and vocal about policies that could influence them and their families. Meanwhile, others, such as Ma, hope that discussions around global conservatism and the role of the United States in shaping international norms continue to be part of the dialogue at Wellesley and beyond.
For Wellesley College’s international students, the U.S. presidential election serves as a reminder of the power and reach of American policy decisions. As they continue to navigate their educational journeys, they remain aware that, while they may not directly shape the U.S. political system, they are nonetheless affected by its direction.
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