Dear Matt,
My first newsletter of July and we’ve got lots to cover so let’s get right to it!
On June 27, the Department of Homeland of Homeland Security submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a proposed rule that would end “duration of status” (D/S) and replace it with a set expiration date for international students and exchange visitors. Current policy enables them to remain in the United States as long as they are in compliance with legal requirements. After OMB completes its review, the proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register, at which time a period for public comment would begin.
Recall that the first Trump administration also attempted to end D/S in 2020, prompting a widespread outcry from international educators. You can be sure we will mobilize advocates like you and our allies in higher education, business, and Congress to defend this policy. See NAFSA’s website for resources that will be updated once the proposed rule is published.
We also continue to closely monitor reports from the field as to how new and returning international students and scholars are faring in scheduling visa interview appointments and securing visas and how institutions are adapting to support them. We need your help! Please complete NAFSA’s brief, anonymous survey on visa appointment trends, fall enrollment implications, and how institutions are responding. Be sure to join us for a July 24 webinar where we will share public policy and regulatory updates and provide a platform to learn from your peers as to how they are navigating this period of uncertainty with flexibility and innovation.
Relatedly, we continue to be concerned about the impact of large-scale staff layoffs now underway at the State Department. We will keep you posted.
In other news, the budget reconciliation bill (H.R. 1) passed both chambers of Congress and was signed into law on July 4. The American Council on Education has prepared an analysis of how the bill’s policies will affect higher education. The provisions that most directly affect international education relate to several new immigration fees—including a “visa integrity fee." See NAFSA’s website for details.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Report through NAFSA’s online survey your understanding of students’ ability to schedule new visa appointments and at which posts, and anticipated fall enrollment (coordinate with your colleagues to avoid duplication). Responses received by July 21 will help inform NAFSA's webinar on July 24, which you won’t want to miss!
Share (and complete yourself if applicable) a new survey by The Forum on Education Abroad that will demonstrate how education abroad experiences impact career paths and economic mobility. Anyone who has studied, interned, or conducted research abroad is encouraged to participate in this short 5-minute survey! For resources on how to help students translate their study abroad experiences into terms that will appeal to potential employers, read my colleague, Caroline Donovan White’s recent blog post in the Education Abroad KC Network (a free log-in may be required).
Register for NAFSA’s upcoming series of study abroad visa discussions to make sure your knowledge and approach to study abroad advising is up-to-the-minute! Both Australia and Spain have made statements and adjustments to their visa policies in recent weeks.
Thank you kindly.
Best,
Erica
Erica Stewart
Senior Director, Advocacy & Strategic Communications
NAFSA: Association of International Educators
