Dear Dr. Sami,
 I am an international student from Germany on a student visa, currently completing my studies an Ivy League university. Last spring, I participated in several protests on campus advocating for Palestinian rights and condemning the devastating civilian casualties in the conflict. As graduation approaches, I’ve grown increasingly anxious. Given the recent news about crackdowns on protest-related activity, I fear being targeted by immigration authorities (ICE). The thought of being arrested in class, unable to graduate, and facing detention or deportation haunts me daily. I’m torn between staying to finish my degree or returning to Germany immediately to avoid potential repercussions. Could you advise me on how to navigate this? Is my fear of arrest rational, or am I overestimating the risks? Would leaving the U.S. prematurely—sacrificing four years of work—be prudent, or are there steps I can take to protect myself while seeing through my graduation? Your perspective would mean the world to me. Sincerely, Terrified

Dear Terrified,

First, let me acknowledge the weight of what you’re carrying right now. It sounds incredibly overwhelming to be facing this uncertainty as you near the end of your senior year—an achievement that’s already a testament to your resilience and dedication.

The fears you’re describing—being arrested, detained, or deported—are understandably consuming your thoughts, especially given the news you’ve been hearing and the experiences you’ve had at the protests.

It’s natural to feel anxious when you’re caught between your commitment to your values, your education, and the looming possibility of consequences beyond your control. I’m here to help you sort through these emotions and find a way to move forward with some clarity and calm.

From what you’ve shared, your fear isn’t irrational—it’s rooted in real events and observations, like those unfamiliar individuals taking photos, combined with the broader political climate you’re witnessing.

The persistent worry about ICE or law enforcement targeting you reflects a deep sense of vulnerability, which is a completely human response when you’re far from home and navigating a system that feels unpredictable.

The fact that this anxiety is disrupting your ability to focus on your studies tells me how much this is weighing on your heart and mind. It’s not just about the “what ifs”—it’s about the toll of living with that constant tension.

That said, it’s hard to know how much of a risk you’re truly facing without more specific information, and that uncertainty itself can amplify your distress.

As a psychotherapist, I can’t assess the legal likelihood of arrest or deportation—that’s something an immigration attorney would be much better equipped to address. What I can do is help you manage the emotional storm you’re in and think through your options so you’re not paralyzed by fear. Let’s start by grounding ourselves a bit.

One thing that might help is breaking this down into what you can control. The idea of being arrested in class or deported is terrifying, but it’s a future scenario, not a certainty in this moment.

When those thoughts spiral, try pausing to breathe deeply for a minute—slow inhales and exhales—and ask yourself: “What’s happening right now?” This can pull you back from the edge of panic and give you space to think. It’s not a fix, but it can help you regain some footing.

You’re also wrestling with a big decision: stay and finish your degree, risking potential repercussions, or leave now and protect yourself at the cost of four years of effort. Both paths come with grief—losing your sense of safety here or losing the culmination of your hard work.

That’s a heartbreaking choice, and it’s okay to feel torn. If you stay, the anxiety might persist, but you’d have your degree in hand, a milestone you’ve earned. If you go, you’d regain some peace of mind, but the regret of leaving could linger. Neither is inherently “right”—it’s about what you can live with, emotionally and practically.

Here’s what I’d suggest as a starting point: connect with an immigration attorney as soon as possible. They can give you a clearer picture of your legal standing—whether your participation in the protests could realistically jeopardize your visa, and what protections might be available to you.

Knowing where you stand legally could ease some of the dread and help you make an informed choice rather than one driven purely by fear.

Many universities offer free legal resources for international students, so check with your school’s international student office or student services. This step isn’t just practical—it’s a way to reclaim some agency in a situation that feels out of your hands.

In the meantime, let’s work on keeping you steady. Surround yourself with support—friends, classmates, or a counselor at your university who can listen without judgment. You don’t have to carry this alone.

Writing down your fears, like you’ve done here, can also lighten the load a bit—maybe keep a journal to process what’s swirling in your head.

And if your focus on studies keeps slipping, try breaking tasks into smaller pieces—15 minutes of reading, a short break, then another 15. It won’t solve everything, but it might help you inch toward the finish line.

Your fear of arrest isn’t baseless, but whether it’s an overestimation depends on factors I can’t evaluate as a therapist. The political climate is tense, and the news about crackdowns is real, but not every protester faces the same outcome. An attorney can help you gauge that risk more precisely.

For now, my heart goes out to you—this is a lot to bear, and your courage in speaking up for what you believe in, even at personal risk, is profound. You deserve to feel safe and supported as you decide what’s next.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out again if you need to talk more. You’re not alone in this.

Warmly,
Dr. Sami

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#IvyLeague, #StudentVisa, #ProtestFears,
#ImmigrationAnxiety, #PalestinianRights

Tags: Immigration, Student Protests, Visa Issues, Campus Activism, ICE