For Some International Students, U.S. Dreams Dim Under Trump

Hassan Kamal Wattoo, a 25-year-old law student from Pakistan, faced relentless threats for years from Pakistani authorities over his critical reporting on issues like the Gaza war. After earning a scholarship to UC Berkeley, he envisioned studying in the U.S., only to be unexpectedly targeted by U.S. authorities for his pro-Palestinian stance. His parents, fearing harassment at the border, opted against attending his Berkeley graduation. Now, after completing his degree, Wattoo plans to return to Pakistan. He describes the U.S. system as "shockingly similar" to what he's seen all his life, filled with "bitter animosity and disrespect."