The Trump administration’s assault on international education continues, sowing chaos and confusion. Here are some key points for international educators to keep in mind amid the uncertainty and rapidly unfolding developments.
- NAFSA is working to obtain clarity on the U.S. Department of State cable that ordered a pause on new student visa interviews (F, M, and J categories) until additional social media vetting measures can be applied. While the full text of the official cable has not been publicly released, NAFSA CEO and Executive Director Fanta Aw emphasized in a statement that this action is misguided and self-defeating. Aw is actively conveying this message through major media outlets, including PBS NewsHour and Fox News.
- The pause in new student visa interviews applies from the day it was announced until further notice. It is important that students who have appointments scheduled proceed with their interviews. NAFSA has received confirmation that some students have received visas since the pause was announced. We have also received reports of visa interview appointments being canceled. We are closely monitoring which posts are canceling appointments. On May 29, a Department of State spokesperson indicated during a press briefing that the pause would be brief: “...there is an endpoint, and it should be rather quick, as consulates and embassies make adjustments when it comes to how they handle visas.”
- On May 22, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it was “revoking” Harvard University’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, drawing a rebuke from Aw in a strongly worded statement. DHS now appears to be following the existing regulatory process to withdraw the school’s certification. On May 29, the courts extended the temporary injunction and indicated that the status quo is to remain in place while the Notice of Intent to Withdraw process is ongoing. More information is available on NAFSA’s website.
- As more information becomes available, NAFSA's "Current Administration" web page and Network.NAFSA communities focused on international students and scholars will be updated with the latest developments and analysis.
- Our call for Congressional action has been updated to include these recent threats. Take a moment to add your voice to the message that we cannot afford to close our doors to the next generation of global leaders, innovators, and allies. Urge Congress to convey to the Departments of State and Homeland Security that it should be a national priority to welcome international students and scholars to study and succeed here. The message we have provided can easily be used to inform your campus officials and the federal relations officer at your institution, if you have one.