Xavier students navigate funding cuts, immigration fears under Trump administration  

By Keziah-Yvonne Smith  

  Within the first year of the Trump administration, there have been many swift changes, especially within the Department of Education. Federal student loan cuts, the stripping of diversity programs and other policy shifts are directly impacting universities and students across the country. 

“HBCUs remain heavily reliant on federal appropriations through Title III and other capacity-building programs,” said Dr. Russell Frazier, department chair for the political science and sociology department. “Continued congressional negotiations over the federal budget, student aid and discretionary spending will directly influence institutional stability, infrastructure improvements and student support services.”  

With federal dollars uncertain for many universities, students are facing financial complications as well. According to Frazier, changes to federal aid programs, like Pell Grants, would have the most impact on low-income students, many of whom attend HBCUs. 

Financial questions are not the only concern for HBCU students. Frazier said there may be shifts in professional areas, impacting students immediately after graduation. 

“Emerging debates about credential inflation and whether certain degrees qualify as ‘professional’ or workforce-ready are shaping how federal agencies and employers define career pathways,” Frazier said. “HBCUs, which often prepare students for public service, education and social sciences careers, may feel the impact of shifting workforce funding priorities.” 

For Sean Benton, a senior public health sciences major and president of the Public Health Student Organization from New Orleans, the current administration has impacted both his extracurricular activities and future plans. 

“A lot of our funding and our programs that we do on campus have been impacted, receiving significantly less funding now because of the Trump administration. So, we had to pivot a lot of our programming and operations,” Benton said. “A lot of what we can advocate for in terms of public sexual health has definitely been impacted. We have had to find workarounds in order to still carry out the mission of reproductive justice while making sure that our university is in accordance with the Trump administration.” 

There has been national pushback on funding cuts from the Trump administration. In a 2026 lawsuit, four states, California, Colorado, Illinois and Minnesota, sued the administration over nearly $600 million worth of grant cuts within those states alone. According to Reuters, by May 2025, the administration will have cut $1.8 billion in research funding. While these cuts worry Benton, he has decided to pivot and encourages other students to do the same. 

“I think for public health we are going to have to shift from being dependent on the government to carry out this work,” Benton said. “We have to put the power back into the people and find innovative ways to make ends meet. I would say for me, I will try to persevere and use my voice.”  

The Trump administration is also strengthening U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE operations have intensified over the past year, with many immigrant communities and international students being targeted by deportation efforts.  

Gynia Prawl, a junior computer information systems major, is originally from Jamaica and worries the Trump administration is sending the wrong message about immigration. 

“Most immigrants come to America for that American life, the American Dream, and for better opportunity. We are not who you think we are. And if you give us a chance, we actually can work together to make the country a better place,” Prawl said. 

For Prawl, it is important that HBCUs remain steadfast in their support of students and diversity. 

“Being able to see life from someone else’s point of view, or how they live, opens your eyes to a new understanding. There is no typical American because there is no state where it is solely one set of people,” Prawl said. “Immigrants bring life into the country.”