July 24, 2025: This Week in International Student News

Good morning! I'm trying something new this week - I streamlined the format of the newsletter. The goals:

1. You get what you need faster

2. Expanded Immigration Corner so we can do a "deeper dive" into issues that matter

So - glance if you're short on time, or dive deep when you need more details.

This week I'm covering:

• New USCIS Director Joseph Edlow and what his appointment means for your OPT future

• Essential Updates: Visa fee changes, possible H-1B lottery modifications, and campus developments affecting international students

• Featured scholarship at the University of Alabama

Let's dive in!

Carrie at International Student Voice ⭐

info@istudentvoice.com

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HEADLINES THIS WEEK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 📰

Best Links for International Students

📰 TOP 3 HEADLINES FROM THE WEEK

💰 Visa Integrity Fee: What to Know - The Trump administration has introduced a new $250 "visa integrity fee" that travelers must pay when their nonimmigrant visas are issued, adding to existing visa costs for tourists, business travelers, and international students. While the fee can potentially be reimbursed if visa holders comply with all conditions and don't overstay, experts advise treating it as non-refundable given the complexity of getting money back from the government. (NBC News)

🔍 State Department Launches Investigation into Harvard's International Visa Practices - The U.S. State Department has announced a formal investigation into Harvard University's handling of international student visas, focusing on potential compliance issues and administrative practices. This probe adds to growing scrutiny of how elite universities manage their international student programs amid broader immigration policy debates. (NBC News)

🤔 New Trump Immigration Policy: Ending the H-1B Visa Lottery? - The Trump administration is moving to eliminate the H-1B lottery system and replace it with a merit-based selection process that prioritizes higher wages and advanced degrees. This change could significantly impact how international students transition from F-1 to work visas, potentially favoring those with master's degrees and job offers at higher salary levels. (Forbes)

🎓 FEATURED SCHOLARSHIP

University of Alabama International UA Competitive Admissions Scholarship - This merit-based scholarship considers both academic performance (GPA, honors) and non-academic achievements (leadership, volunteer work, extracurriculars). (University of Alabama) 

🔍 INTERESTING FIND

🧠 Your Brain on ChatGPT: Is AI Making Us Dumber? - A fascinating new study from MIT Media Lab explores whether our increasing reliance on AI tools like ChatGPT might be affecting our cognitive abilities and critical thinking skills. This research dives into the neurological impacts of AI assistance and raises important questions about how we learn and process information in the age of artificial intelligence. (MIT Media Lab)

News in 1 Sentence

Judge rejects Homeland Security's arguments in a University of Iowa international student visa case, providing relief for students facing visa-related challenges and potentially setting precedent for protecting international student rights.

Trump's immigration policies may threaten American AI leadership, with new Brookings research warning that restrictive policies could harm U.S. competitiveness by limiting access to international STEM talent.

US student visa restrictions are reshaping global academic power as tightening policies push international students toward Canada, Australia, and the UK, potentially impacting American universities' global competitiveness.

LSU students detained by ICE were released after a federal judge's intervention, underscoring the importance of understanding your rights and having proper legal representation during immigration enforcement actions.

F-1 and J-1 visa issuances dropped significantly in May 2025 according to new State Department data, continuing the trend of reduced international student admissions and signaling tougher times ahead.

IMMIGRATION CORNER 🛂

What Joseph Edlow's USCIS Leadership Could Mean for Your OPT Future 

On July 15, 2025, Joseph B. Edlow was confirmed as the new Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by a narrow 52-47 Senate vote. For international students, this appointment represents potentially the most significant threat to Optional Practical Training in decades.

His stance on OPT is crystal clear: He wants to end the program entirely.

How We Got Here: A Brief History of OPT

Here's the timeline of how OPT evolved from a small pilot program to the lifeline for nearly 250,000 international students:

• 1992: OPT was created on July 20 by the first Bush administration as a time-limited employment pilot program under the 1990 Immigration Act. The Justice Department created it without explicit congressional approval.

• Early 2000s: Program remained relatively small and limited, primarily serving as a brief transition period for students.

• 2008: Major expansion under the Bush administration - STEM students became eligible for a 17-month extension, significantly increasing OPT's appeal and usage.

• 2016: Obama administration extended STEM OPT from 17 months to 24 months, creating the current 12+24 month structure that allows up to 36 months of work authorization.

• 2017-2021: First Trump administration (with Edlow's involvement) attempted various restrictions but faced legal challenges and implementation hurdles.

• 2021-2024: Biden administration maintained and slightly expanded OPT access, leading to record participation numbers.

• 2025: Edlow's return signals a potential return to restrictive policies, but with more experience and preparation than the first Trump term.

What This Means for You: 3 Practical Pieces of Advice Moving Forward

Before panicking, it's crucial to understand what Edlow can and cannot do, and how to be proactive....because yeah...who knows what tomorrow brings.

First...Understanding the Immigration System

Three key agencies handle different aspects of your student status:

• USCIS (processes your visas and work authorization - Edlow's domain)

• ICE (handles enforcement and deportation)

• SEVP (manages the SEVIS database tracking your status)

While these agencies are connected, they have different roles, and only USCIS processes your visa and OPT applications.

For a complete breakdown of how these agencies work and their specific roles in your student journey, read our detailed guide: Understanding U.S. Government Agencies: A Complete Guide for International Students.

Second...Edlow Can't 'End' OPT, But Man...He Can Make Life Harder

If Edlow's appointment is making you queasy, you're not alone. However, he cannot single-handedly shut down OPT, eliminate CPT, or directly remove international students.

Any major changes must go through a lengthy bureaucratic process with public comments and legal reviews. But here's the catch - he can certainly use his influence to drive you nuts.

Think painfully slow processing times that stretch for months, endless requests for additional paperwork, applications getting picked apart with a magnifying glass, and rules being interpreted in the most restrictive way possible.

Third...Be Proactive

As we all have seen so far this year, you just never know what's going to happen. So for international students, instead of having "Plan A, B, and C"....we've now expanded to the rest of the alphabet.

Here's some of the best advice I found:

Document Everything

• Save every single piece of paper: I-20s, work approvals, job offers, transcripts, SEVIS updates - everything

• Keep detailed work logs during OPT (trust us, you'll thank yourself later)

• Screenshot important emails and save all government correspondence

Don't Panic and Leave

• History shows us that students who rushed to leave during policy scares often didn't need to

• Always talk to a qualified immigration lawyer before making any major moves

Target H-1B Cap-Exempt Employers

• Universities, non-profit research organizations, and government research facilities aren't subject to H-1B lottery limits

• These employers can sponsor you for H-1B status any time of year, giving you more security

• Start networking with these organizations early - they're your best bet for avoiding the lottery altogether

Listen to your DSOs (Designated School Officials)

• Your DSO is your best friend right now. They can ensure your SEVIS record is up to date to avoid any possible violations

• Keep them in the loop about any changes in your situation

SHARE THE KNOWLEDGE!

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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.