Summer travel plans of international students under scrutiny due to Trump's tough visa policies
International students in the US are reconsidering their Summer plans due to expanded reasons for losing their legal status. Fear of potential repercussions has led to cancelled trips, both within and outside the US.
Since March 2025, numerous academic institutions have urged international students not to leave the country. Now, with the federal government expanding the reasons for which students can lose their legal status, these warnings are being reiterated.
Over 1,220 foreign students at 187 institutions have had their visas revoked or legal status terminated since late March, according to reports. In many cases, students lost their status due to minor traffic infractions or no apparent reason at all. Judges have issued preliminary rulings stating that the government had acted without due process.
In response to these challenges, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued a new document outlining valid reasons for losing one's legal status. These reasons include the revocation of a student's visa, their name appearing in a criminal or fingerprint database, and other changes in procedure that were not permitted in the past.
International students who must travel are advised to bring their immigration documents, school transcripts, and court documents in case they are charged with a crime that was subsequently dismissed upon reentry. However, the decisions made by immigration officers upon arrival remain unpredictable.
Navigating the New Guidelines
The new guidelines create uncertainty and risk for international students planning to travel. Students with terminated SEVIS records or those at risk of termination may face difficulties in maintaining their legal status while abroad, potentially preventing their re-entry into the US.
The most significant changes to the guidelines include:
- Expanded Authority for SEVIS Termination: ICE has been granted broader authority to terminate students' SEVIS status, citing "inherent authority" to do so as needed.
- Justifications for Termination: The policy outlines two primary justifications for terminating SEVIS records: evidence of failure to comply with nonimmigrant visa terms, and visa revocation due to national security concerns or other vague reasons.
These changes increase the complexity and risk associated with international students' travel plans and legal status in the US. Travel restrictions and potential difficulties in reentry must be carefully considered before making travel arrangements.
Amidst the chaos, discussions are taking place to lift restrictions on international student visa applications, which could ease travel and study opportunities for new and current students. Keep a close eye on these developments to make informed decisions about your travel plans.
- With the expanded authority given to SEVIS for terminating students' status, international students face an increased risk of losing their legal status during travel.
- The new guidelines outline two primary justifications for terminating SEVIS records: evidence of failure to comply with nonimmigrant visa terms and visa revocation due to national security concerns or other vague reasons.
- To ensure a smoother reentry process, international students traveling are advised to carry their immigration documents, school transcripts, and court documents.
- As the federal government's new policy on international students continues to unveil unpredictable decisions upon arrival, it is essential to closely monitor policy-and-legislation developments and general-news related to travel restrictions and visa applications.
- As discussions progress to lift restrictions on international student visa applications, the evolution of online-education and learning resources can provide valuable alternatives for education-and-self-development and crime-and-justice studies, minimizing the need for travel and reducing associated risks.
