The American Dream from Afar: Muad Alsharif’s Journey
Muad Alsharif, a 20-year-old Libyan, embodies the complexities of cultural connection and aspiration. Although he has never set foot in the United States, his life is interwoven with American culture through family ties and shared interests. Three of his aunts are American citizens, born in Florida, and his grandfather spent time studying and working in the U.S. during the 1950s. This familial connection has fueled Muad’s dreams of experiencing American life firsthand.
A Virtual Connection
Muad’s engagement with American culture extends beyond family. He immerses himself in the world of online gaming, playing popular titles like Overwatch 2 and Among Us with American friends. These interactions have been more than just recreational; they have provided him with a supportive network that encourages his aspirations to study in the U.S. “My father used to talk about the U.S.—how life is there, how college life is,” Muad recalls, despite his father never having visited. This narrative has shaped Muad’s vision of the American experience, one he yearns to explore.
Academic Aspirations
Eager to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps, Muad set his sights on studying chemical engineering at a U.S. institution, aiming for the fall of 2025. To strengthen his application, he took two gap years after high school, attending engineering lectures at Libya’s top university and honing his English skills. His commitment paid off when he chose the University of Buffalo, drawn not only by a substantial scholarship but also by the vibrant campus life, diverse student body, and clubs that aligned with his interests in creative writing, volleyball, and photography.
The Shadow of Travel Bans
However, Muad’s dreams began to dim after the reelection of President Trump in November. The reinstatement of travel bans, particularly affecting countries like Libya, cast a long shadow over his aspirations. The “Muslim ban” from Trump’s first term loomed large, and Muad’s fears intensified when the U.S. paused all student visa interviews in May, coinciding with the announcement of a new travel ban that included Libya.
The Impact of Policy Changes
The implications of these travel restrictions were immediate and devastating. Many students, including Muad, found their hopes of studying in the U.S. crushed. The travel ban not only affected new applicants but also those who had already committed to universities, paid deposits, and booked flights. According to an analysis by NBC News, nearly 19,000 students from the 12 countries affected by the ban were enrolled in U.S. colleges during the 2023–24 academic year. While this number represents a small fraction of the total international student population, the emotional and academic toll on these students is profound.
Voices of Concern
Miriam Feldblum, founder of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, emphasizes the broader implications of these policies. “The numbers gloss over the impact,” she notes, highlighting the anxiety and uncertainty faced by students who fear their countries could be next on such lists. The Trump administration’s potential expansion of the travel ban to an additional 36 countries only adds to this climate of fear.
The Future of International Education
As the U.S. government tightens its grip on immigration and international student policies, experts warn of the long-term consequences. International students contribute significantly to U.S. universities and local economies, generating billions in revenue and fostering innovation. The proposed elimination of the duration of status rule, which allows international students to remain in the U.S. until their studies conclude, raises further concerns about the future of international education in America.
Navigating Uncertainty
In light of these challenges, universities have offered students affected by visa restrictions options to defer admission or begin studies online. Muad received assurances from the University of Buffalo that he could transfer whenever the ban is lifted. Yet, the uncertainty remains daunting. Another student, who wished to remain anonymous, faced similar challenges after being committed to the University of South Florida. He expressed frustration over the prospect of taking online classes, feeling it wouldn’t justify the full tuition costs.
Resilience Amidst Adversity
Both Muad and the anonymous student share a deep desire to study in the U.S., drawn by the academic excellence and vibrant college experience depicted in American films. For many international students, the U.S. offers a unique blend of academics, extracurricular activities, and work experiences that are often unavailable in their home countries. This combination fosters a climate of discovery and personal growth.
New Paths Forward
As the travel ban took effect, Muad quickly applied to colleges in Europe and Asia, ultimately securing a spot at University College Cork in Ireland. However, his heart remains set on the U.S. He expresses a willingness to take risks for the chance to study in America, stating, “I’m very, very, very excited to transfer at any time or at the [first] chance I have.”
Similarly, the student from Myanmar, despite facing his own set of challenges, remains hopeful about pursuing his education in the U.S. He plans to continue his A-level courses while keeping an eye on future opportunities. Both students exemplify resilience and determination, driven by their dreams and ambitions, even in the face of adversity.
