A former Wartburg international student, who asked to remain anonymous, believes immigration rules should be less strict, especially for students who are planning to study in the country.

“Some students need to take time off from Wartburg to make sure they have funds to complete their studies,” the student, who is living in Waverly unlawfully, said. “This is just too difficult for those of us from other countries.”

Many U.S. students may feel free to take a break from studies if financial troubles arise, but if an international student isn’t studying, they’re forced to leave the country.

Despite the relative weakness of the dollar, many international students find it difficult to meet educational costs and are often forced to hold several jobs at Wartburg to meet costs.

“I think a lot of students come here not knowing English perfectly,” Akiko Miyazawa, a Wartburg international alumna said. “Plus it’s hard to get anything but an on-campus job as a foreigner, so opportunities are sometimes limited by that.”

Many students struggle to find jobs when they’re nearing the end of their time at Wartburg to avoid any issues with their status if they choose to stay in the country.

Politics an important factor
Though many of the international students on campus cannot vote, many do follow the candidates and their views on the issues.

“Of course I follow the candidates,” Claudio D’Amato said. “I plan on being in this country for the long-term, and even if I didn’t, the domestic issues discussed will have some sort of bearing on me.”

The immigration issue in the current election has focused primarily on illegal immigrants already within the country and preventing more from gaining access.

Many international students are concerned with their status in the country, but are not afraid to point the blame for the illegal immigration problem where they believe it belongs.

“Many people from Mexico and other countries come here because they don’t have another choice,” the anonymous student said. “It is the U.S.’s responsibility to take care of these people as one of the richest countries in the world.”

Some American students agree with that assessment.