December 18, 2025: This Week in International Student News
- Carrie Circosta
- Dec 17, 2025
- 5 min read
Well, hey there! Did you miss me?
I took a little break from the newsletter due to some family matters. With the holiday season upon us, it’s a gentle reminder of how quickly life can ask us to slow down.
If you’re fortunate to have loved ones nearby, hold them a little closer. Say the things you’ve been meaning to say. And if you’re lucky enough to have your health right now, enjoy it — don’t take it for granted.
As the saying goes, “Health is not valued until sickness comes.”
Thank you for being patient with me. I’m glad to be back, and I’m grateful you’re here.
So here's what I'm covering this week:
📰 Top Headlines: The White House issued new travel restrictions that could affect international student entry and re-entry, a new report shares a startling (yet not surprising) statistic about international student fears regarding their visa statuses, and the State Department says the Trump administration has revoked 85,000 visas since January.
💰 Scholarship Spotlight: IEFA (International Education Financial Aid) is a go-to database for international students looking for scholarships, grants, and funding opportunities to study abroad.
🆘 Interesting Find: Earlier this month, an Ohio senator introduced a bill that would eliminate dual citizenship, outlining strict timelines and verification requirements—while also raising major constitutional questions.
⚡ Deep Dive – Immigration Corner: Holiday travel tips for international students—what to double-check before you fly, what documents to keep handy, and what to know about travel risks this season.
Let's get back into the swing of things!
Carrie at International Student Voice ⭐
Best Links for International Students
📰 TOP 3 HEADLINES FROM THE WEEK
🛂 New U.S. Travel Restrictions Could Affect International Student Entry
The White House has issued a new action restricting and limiting the entry of certain foreign nationals, citing U.S. security concerns. For international students and scholars, policies like this can quickly change what’s possible around visa appointments, boarding flights, and especially re-entry after traveling abroad. Higher ed leaders are watching closely because even targeted restrictions can create delays and uncertainty for admitted students, visiting researchers, and campuses trying to plan for spring and fall arrivals. (White House | The Chronicle of Higher Education)
😰 Nine in 10 International Students Say They Fear for Their U.S. Visa Status
A new report highlighted by The PIE News found that nine in 10 international students are worried about their U.S. visa status, reflecting how stressful (and uncertain) the immigration landscape can feel right now. The story points to rising anxiety around policy shifts, processing delays, and the risk of unexpected changes that can impact everything from staying enrolled to traveling home and returning to campus. If you’re feeling this too: you’re not alone—and it’s worth taking a few proactive steps like saving copies of your key documents, staying on top of school emails from your international office, and asking questions early. (The PIE News)
🧾 Trump Administration Has Revoked 85,000 Visas Since January, Official Says
A State Department official said the Trump administration has revoked 85,000 visas across all categories since January, more than double the number revoked last year. The total includes more than 8,000 student visas, as part of a broader push to target immigrants inside the U.S. and limit who can enter. The official said offenses such as DUI, assault, and theft accounted for “almost half” of revocations in the past year, while the reasons for the other half were not fully detailed; the department has previously cited visa expirations and “support for terrorism.” (CNN)
🎓 FEATURED SCHOLARSHIP
Scholarship Finder: IEFA’s Database for International Students
International Education Financial Aid (IEFA) is a long-running scholarship and funding resource built specifically for international students looking to study abroad. Their site includes a searchable database of scholarships, grants, and loans, plus country- and program-specific funding links to help students narrow down options based on where they’re from and where they want to study. (IEFA)
🔍 INTERESTING FIND
🧾 Bill Would Ban Dual Citizenship in the U.S.
Earlier this month, Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH) introduced the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025, a bill that would ban dual citizenship by giving current dual citizens a one-year window to renounce their other nationality (or be treated as voluntarily giving up U.S. citizenship), triggering immediate loss of U.S. citizenship for anyone who acquires a foreign citizenship after enactment, and requiring the State Department and DHS to create new verification and record-update procedures—though the proposal also raises constitutional questions in light of Supreme Court precedent on involuntary loss of citizenship. (Forbes)
News in 1 Sentence
USCIS updated its policy to clarify when it may reuse previously captured photographs in certain immigration benefit requests.
A new feature from The Southeast Arrow looks at how international students spend a quieter winter break period away from classes.
Eckerd College shared a profile of an alumna attorney who helps international students navigate immigration information and related challenges.
KCRG reports that the University of Iowa international students settled a lawsuit against DHS over their terminated status.
CNN reports that a federal judge ruled a Turkish Tufts PhD student whose visa was revoked can resume teaching and research while her case proceeds, after she spent six weeks detained.
DEEP DIVE: IMMIGRATION CORNER 🛂
Simple Holiday Travel Tips for International Students
As the semester wraps up, many international students are traveling—sometimes across the U.S., sometimes internationally. And this year, travel can feel a little more stressful because of all the immigration-related headlines, including reports of airport encounters that caught students and families off guard.
I gathered some of the best resources and tips from various resources and summarized them below if you are traveling over winter break.
1) Before you book: confirm your “must-haves”
Before you lock in flights, make sure the basics are solid:
Passport validity (check expiration dates)
Visa validity (if you need a visa to re-enter the U.S.)
Your I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) is current
Travel signature on your I-20/DS-2019 is valid for your return date
2) Do a quick SEVIS and school status check
Many universities are increasing monitoring of student immigration status through SEVIS. Before you travel, it helps to:
Confirm your SEVIS record is active
Make sure your program dates, major, and school details are accurate
Know exactly who to contact at your international office if something looks wrong
3) Pack a “documents-only” travel folder (carry-on)
Keep key documents with you (not in checked luggage):
Passport
Visa (if applicable)
I-20 or DS-2019 with a travel signature
Proof of enrollment (or a current class schedule, if you have it)
EAD card (if applicable)
Your school’s international office contact info (email + phone)
4) What to expect at the airport or port of entry
Most travel is routine, but screening can include additional questions. In general, be prepared to share:
Where you study and what you’re studying
Your current status (F-1/J-1) and what you’re returning to (classes, research, teaching)
Basic details that match your documents
5) If you’re questioned or delayed
If you’re pulled aside for additional questions, the key is to stay calm and stick to the facts. Various reasons can prompt additional questioning, and it doesn't mean you did anything wrong.
If you need help, you can ask to contact:
Your Designated School Official (DSO) (for F-1)
Your Responsible Officer (RO/ARO) (for J-1)
6) If you’re staying in the U.S. over break
Holiday travel isn’t the only scenario—some students stay near campus. During breaks, campuses often have fewer staff available, so it helps to know:
Housing and meal options (if your school offers them)
How to reach student support services if you need them
Enjoy the break!
Holiday travel is a big part of the international student experience, and most students travel without problems. A little preparation—especially around documents and school contacts—can make the process smoother and reduce stress.
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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