Dear Unnamed,
I can’t believe 2025 is almost behind us (but not that sad about it). Take a look back at NAFSA’s 2025 Policy Digest, which does the hard work of compiling the many policy and regulatory actions that affected the field of international education this year. It can easily be printed for your reference and sharing with others. The most recent entries relate to the pause in processing of green card and citizenship applications filed by people from 19 countries currently affected by a travel ban. While the pause does not apply to the processing of nonnimmigrant F-1 student visa applications from those 19 countries, the December 2 USCIS Policy Memorandum does not specifically address how nonimmigrant benefit applications will be handled (such as the Form 1-795 for Optional Practical Training). See NAFSA’s website for more detail.
While the media reported last week that the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the travel ban will be widened to include more than 30 countries, nothing official has been announced, nor has the list of new countries to be added been released.
In other news, NAFSA will be soon submitting a comment letter in response to the USCIS proposed rule that seeks to expand biometrics requirements to include any individual filing or “associated with” an immigrant benefit request. Public comments are due by January 2. We will post the NAFSA comment letter as soon it is ready to assist other entities in preparing their response.
We are also keeping a close eye on any developments regarding Optional Practical Training, given that changes to “practical training” were included in the Spring 2025 Regulatory Agenda. You can count on NAFSA to equip you with an analysis of any proposed changes, along with tools to oppose those changes, much as we did with the proposed rule to eliminate Duration of Status (D/S) and curtail academic mobility. Speaking of which, we are also watching for the publication of the Final Rule affecting D/S. Watch our social media accounts and the NAFSA Current Administration page for updates. Know that NAFSA is exploring all options to preserve D/S and will provide updates as to how your institution or organization can assist with those efforts going forward.
Meanwhile, Canada announced that it will fast-track immigration for U.S. H-1B visa holders who are now facing greater scrutiny and uncertain job prospects. “As other countries constrain academic freedoms and undermine cutting-edge research, Canada is investing, and doubling down on science,” wrote Canada’s Industry minister in a comment to the press.
New research shows how the Trump administration’s actions against international students are having a real effect on the latter’s psyche. A survey by Stop AAPI Hate revealed that:
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only 4% of international students feel “very” or “moderately” safe in the U.S. as they navigate a climate rife with xenophobia.
- 90% of students were in fear about their visa status — including risks of detention, deportation, or disruption to their studies.
- An overwhelming 88% reported a decreased sense of belonging.
Stop AAPI Hate includes recommendations for how best to support international students —namely through enhanced services, clear communication, and academic flexibility—which echoes NAFSA’s guidance and mirrors what the NAFSA community is already delivering! They also encourage institutions to work with peer institutions to challenge federal policies that threaten international students and clarify their real-world impacts. I am also confident this is happening in large numbers. But as ever, reach out to me if you would like to do more advocacy, and we can provide some specific ideas based on your institution type and location.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Best to those of you now wrapping up your fall term. I hope your long winter's nap (for those in the Northern Hemisphere) is coming soon!
One more issue of Connecting Our World in 2025! See you next week.
Best,
Erica
Erica Stewart
Senior Director, Advocacy & Strategic Communications
NAFSA: Association of International Educators
