April 23, 2026: This Week in International Student News
- Carrie Circosta
- Apr 22
- 6 min read
Have you ever noticed the survey I always have at the end of every newsletter?
I do read every piece of feedback I receive. And this one I got last week made me smile.
Thank you for your kind words...and if you're wondering, "What the heck are they talking about baby and dual citizenship??"...read last week's interesting find.
And you know what, survey responder, I agree with you. Dual citizenship makes sense!
Now...Let's get you caught up on this week's news:
Top Headlines: A federal judge orders work permit processing to resume, a Ph.D. graduate voluntarily leaves the U.S., and J-1 summer work delays raise new concerns for students
Interesting Find: Ohio considers making English the official state language—though the impact may be more symbolic than real
Featured Scholarship: Vietnam Education Foundation Fellowship offers full funding for Vietnamese students pursuing STEM graduate degrees in the U.S.
Immigration Corner Deep Dive: A clear, data-driven look at how immigrants actually impact the U.S. economy
Read...and if you have any feedback...you know what to do at the end of this newsletter.
Carrie at International Student Voice ⭐
Best Links for International Students
📰 TOP 3 HEADLINES FROM THE WEEK
⚖️ California Federal Judge Says USCIS Can’t Keep Delaying Work Permits
A federal judge in California has ordered the Trump administration to restart processing work permits for students and scholars from countries under the travel ban. Countries include Iran, Ghana, and Nigeria. The pause had left many in “immigration limbo,” unable to work while still required to maintain visa status. The disruption hit Optional Practical Training (OPT) especially hard, putting recent graduates at risk of losing job offers or falling out of status. The administration said the freeze was part of a national security review, but gave no timeline, leaving students stuck for months. For impacted students, the delay has meant lost income, canceled opportunities, and growing uncertainty. (The Chronicle of Higher Education)
🎓 Ph.D. Graduate Chooses to Leave the U.S.
After earning her Ph.D., Rumeysa Ozturk is choosing to leave the United States. Ozturk was detained and threatened with deportation following an article she wrote in the Tufts student newspaper expressing her support for Palestinians. While the charges were eventually dropped, Dr. Ozturk has decided to continue the next chapter of her life back home in Turkey. Her decision reflects the growing challenges international students face when trying to stay after graduation. Despite years of study and contribution, barriers like visa uncertainty and limited job flexibility continue to shape post-graduation choices. For some, staying is no longer the most stable or realistic option. Her story highlights a broader shift, where highly educated graduates are looking elsewhere for opportunity and security. It’s a reminder that earning a U.S. degree no longer guarantees a future in the country. (ACLU)
🌎 J-1 Summer Work Program Faces Delays and Growing Scrutiny
International students in the J-1 Summer Work Travel program are heading into the 2026 season with rising uncertainty. The program remains a key source of seasonal labor for U.S. employers, especially in tourism and hospitality. But visa delays and tighter oversight are making it harder for students to secure placements on time. Some participants report long processing waits and unclear communication throughout the application process. At the same time, critics continue to question whether the program prioritizes business needs over student protections. As demand for workers stays high, the gap between opportunity and experience is becoming more noticeable. (Business Insider)
BONUS HEADLINE…because it’s worth celebrating
🎉International Student Wins $10K for Startup Pitch
An international student at Liberty University won the top $10,000 prize at the school’s annual Spark Tank competition with his business idea, The Errand Co. The platform is designed to help people complete everyday tasks like grocery shopping or picking up dry cleaning, with a focus on reliability and customer relationships. Out of 55 applicants, only seven finalists were selected to pitch, making the win especially competitive. What stands out is his long-term vision—not just profit, but using the business to improve systems and create jobs in his home country of Zambia. Judges responded to both the practicality of the idea and the clarity of the mission. It’s a strong example of how international students are not just participating—but leading—in campus innovation. (Liberty University)
🎓 FEATURED SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCE
🎓 Vietnam Education Foundation Fellowship Program
The Vietnam Education Foundation (VEF) Fellowship Program supports Vietnamese students pursuing graduate degrees in STEM fields in the United States, covering tuition, travel, and living expenses. The program is highly competitive and focuses on building academic and professional ties between the U.S. and Vietnam. Applicants typically need strong academic records, English proficiency, and admission to a U.S. graduate program. In addition to funding, fellows gain access to a network of scholars and professional development opportunities. It’s a strong option for students looking for full financial support and long-term career connections. (Honor Society)
🔍 INTERESTING FIND
🗣️ Ohio Lawmaker Pushes to Make English the Official State Language
If you’ve been following for a while, you know I live in Ohio…so this made me do a double-take. A new bill introduced in Ohio aims to make English the state’s official language. Supporters argue the move would promote unity and streamline government operations by standardizing communication. Critics, however, say it could create barriers for immigrant communities and limit access to essential public services. The kicker? Even if it passes, it would be mostly symbolic. The bill still doesn’t require anyone to speak English or prevent them from speaking other languages. In March 2025, President Trump signed an executive order making English the official language of the United States…which was also symbolic…because it didn’t require agencies to operate just in English or stop offering other language services. Apparently, 30 other states have passed similar laws making English the official language. In Ohio, it would have to pass the Ohio House and Senate and then signed by the Governor to go into “effect”. (NBC4i)
News in 1 Sentence
The New York Times is looking for international student stories about visa challenges, policy changes, and how shifting immigration rules are affecting their lives in the U.S.
Stanford University is the latest institution to be added to Russia’s growing crackdown on Western education, where students risk punishment for studying abroad.
Iran war tensions are deeply affecting international students at an Iowa college, disrupting travel, finances, and communication with family.
African students face long visa delays and systemic barriers that make access to U.S. education feel increasingly out of reach.
Case Western Reserve University issues a warning to international students about a new scam targeting international students.
A Georgetown international student shares what it feels like navigating cultural adjustment, identity challenges, and the pressure to succeed far from home.
DEEP DIVE: IMMIGRATION CORNER 🛂
Immigration’s Real Economic Impact on the United States
Immigration is often talked about in political terms—but less often explained with clear data.
That’s why research matters. It helps cut through assumptions and shows what’s actually happening in the U.S. economy.
The Brookings Institution, a nonpartisan research group based in Washington, D.C., is widely known for producing data-driven analysis used by policymakers, universities, and the public.
Their latest breakdown looks at one core question: what is the real economic impact of immigrants in the United States?
I found their latest research enlightening, and would encourage you to dive deep on your own by reading it here:
But if you’re in a hurry, here are the major highlights:
Immigrants help grow the U.S. economy by increasing the labor force, which leads to higher overall economic output (GDP).
They tend to complement—not replace—U.S.-born workers, helping businesses expand and create more jobs.
Research shows little evidence that immigration lowers wages overall, and in some cases, it may increase them.
Immigrants play a key role in essential industries like healthcare, agriculture, construction, and technology.
They contribute to innovation and entrepreneurship, including starting businesses and filing patents.
Some local communities may feel short-term pressure on housing, schools, and services when new arrivals increase quickly.
With an aging population, immigrants are increasingly important to sustaining the U.S. workforce and programs like Social Security.
If you're like, I really just need the highest level summary...
Immigration = good for U.S. economy
The article goes deeper into the actual numbers and statistics behind each of these points…which could be handy the next time you’re in a conversation with someone or find yourself replying to an Instagram comment.
SHARE THE KNOWLEDGE!
Disclaimer: International Student Voice is not an immigration attorney or immigration advisor. The purpose of this newsletter is strictly educational. Always consult with qualified legal counsel for advice specific to your situation.
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