Student Stranded Abroad After Trump Travel Ban

Patrick Thaw unable to return to U.S. for new semester after visa renewal denied

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Patrick Thaw, a University of Michigan student, is stranded in Singapore after his U.S. student visa renewal was denied following the implementation of President Trump's travel ban. Thaw had left the U.S. for an internship, but is now unable to return to campus and rejoin his friends as they start a new semester.

Why it matters

Thaw's situation highlights the real-world impact of the Trump administration's travel ban policies, which have prevented many international students and workers from re-entering the United States. This has disrupted the lives and education of countless young people.

The details

Thaw was interviewing to renew his U.S. student visa in Singapore last June when the travel ban was implemented, suddenly making it impossible for him to return to the U.S. and his studies at the University of Michigan. He is now forced to continue his education remotely from Singapore, unable to be on campus with his friends and classmates.

  • Thaw left the U.S. for an internship in Singapore in June 2025.
  • Thaw's U.S. student visa renewal was denied in June 2026 after the Trump administration's travel ban was implemented.

The players

Patrick Thaw

A University of Michigan student who is stranded in Singapore after his U.S. student visa renewal was denied due to the Trump administration's travel ban.

University of Michigan

The university Thaw attends, where his friends have returned for the new semester while he is unable to join them.

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What they’re saying

“If I knew it was going to go down this badly, I wouldn't have left the United States.”

— Patrick Thaw (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

Thaw plans to continue his studies remotely from Singapore, but is hopeful he will be able to return to the U.S. and his university in the near future.

The takeaway

Thaw's situation is a stark example of how the Trump administration's restrictive immigration policies have disrupted the lives of international students and workers, separating them from their studies, jobs, and loved ones in the U.S.