President-elect Donald Trump’s negative stance on immigration is clear, but what is unclear is how any reforms might affect undocumented students protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy, or DACA.

DACA is a policy that was put in place by President Obama in 2012, which gives a two-year renewable reprieve from deportation to young people who were brought to America illegally. During this time period, DACA residents can work, attend college and even study abroad. 

DACA students who wish to study abroad can return lawfully for now, but with Trump being inaugurated in January, there is speculation that the DACA policy will undergo significant changes, or even be eliminated.  

With the status of DACA in limbo, it is feared that undocumented students abroad might not be able to return to the U.S. after January. Schools are advising DACA students who plan to study abroad to return before January 19, the day before Trump takes office. 

To read the full report by the Chronicle of Higher Education, click here.