May 29, 2025: This Week in International Student News
- International Student Voice Team
- May 29
- 6 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
At International Student Voice, we're thrilled to bring you this curated collection of news, resources, and opportunities designed specifically for international students in the U.S.
Each week, you'll receive this digest packed with everything from breaking news in international education to scholarship opportunities and practical tips for navigating life in America. Let's dive into what we have for you this week!
International Student Voice Team ⭐
THIS WEEK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 📰
🔹 Trump Administration Expands Harvard Restrictions with Social Media Screening The White House has now required Harvard to screen the social media accounts of all foreign visitors to the university, marking an escalation in the Trump administration's targeting of the institution. This move comes just days after a federal judge blocked the administration's attempt to ban international student enrollment at Harvard. Read more at The Guardian
🔹 Federal Judge Extends Protection for Harvard International Students A federal judge has expanded the temporary restraining order protecting Harvard University from the Trump administration's ban on enrolling international students. The ruling provides continued relief for over 5,000 international students and scholars at Harvard who were at risk of losing their legal status. Full story at The Guardian
🔹 ICE Threatens OPT Visa Holders With Deportation Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has warned international students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) work visas that they may face deportation if they fail to report employment within 15 days. This policy change affects thousands of recent graduates working in the U.S. Details at Inside Higher Ed
🔹 State Department Halts Expansion of Visa Appointment Capacity According to internal State Department communications, U.S. embassies and consulates have been advised not to add additional visa appointment capabilities. While existing appointments will be honored and applications processed, no new capacity is being added, potentially creating longer wait times for student visa appointments. Details at Reuters
🔹 Over 4,700 International Students Had U.S. Study Permissions Revoked More than 4,700 international students had their permission to study in the U.S. canceled this spring with little notice or explanation. Universities and advocacy groups are working to help affected students navigate their options. Full report at ABC News
🔹 Ohio Considers Restrictions on Foreign Property Ownership Ohio lawmakers are debating legislation that would restrict foreign nationals, including international students and visa holders, from purchasing property within 25 miles of military installations and critical infrastructure. Opponents argue the bill would unfairly impact ordinary people working through the immigration process. Read the full report
SPOTLIGHT: Share Your Story
For our inaugural newsletter, we're inviting YOU to be our first spotlight feature!
International Student Voice was founded in 2011 with the mission to advocate for international students by sharing your stories - including the challenges, triumphs, and everything in between.
Have you:
Overcome significant obstacles to study in the U.S.?
Found creative ways to fund your education?
Built a successful career or project while studying?
Navigated cultural differences in inspiring ways?
How are you navigating the current headlines and staying focused?
We want to hear from you! Reply to this email with a brief description of your journey, and you might be featured in our next newsletter.
In future editions, this section will highlight remarkable international students like you who are making the most of their U.S. education experience.
SURVIVAL GUIDE: Managing Uncertainty as an International Student
With recent policy changes and news headlines creating anxiety in the international student community, it's natural to feel overwhelmed. Here's how to navigate uncertainty while staying focused on your goals:
📰 Stay Informed Without Getting Overwhelmed
Set specific times to check news (like once in the morning) rather than constantly scrolling
Follow reliable sources like your university's international office, USCIS official channels, and established education news outlets
Distinguish between speculation and confirmed policy changes—if it doesn't come from an official government source, treat it as rumor
Join your university's international student email lists for institution-specific updates
🏫 Connect with Your University's Support System
Schedule regular check-ins with your international student advisor—they're your best resource for understanding how policies affect you specifically
Attend international student town halls or information sessions that your university hosts
Know your Designated School Official (DSO) and keep their contact information handy
Utilize campus counseling services, which often have counselors experienced with international student stress
🤝 Build Your Support Network
Connect with other international students through campus organizations—you're not alone in feeling uncertain
Join country-specific student associations or international student groups on campus Consider finding a mentor who's been through similar challenges
Don't isolate yourself—reach out to friends, both international and domestic
📋 Know Your Rights and Get Reliable Information
Understand that as a legal F-1 or J-1 student, you have rights and protections under current law
Keep important documents organized and easily accessible (I-20, passport, visa, I-94)
Know the difference between proposed legislation and actual law—most headlines are about proposals, not enacted policies
Free legal resources: Many universities offer legal clinics, and organizations like the American Immigration Lawyers Association provide referrals
🎯 Create Backup Plans While Staying Positive
Have a "Plan B" for your academic goals, but don't let it consume your energy
Focus on what you can control: maintaining good grades, building relationships, gaining experience
Remember that policies change, but your education and skills are permanent investments in yourself
Document your achievements and experiences—they'll serve you well regardless of policy changes
💪 Remember: You Belong Here
You were admitted to your university because you earned it. Policy uncertainty doesn't change your qualifications, your potential, or your right to pursue your educational dreams. Take things one day at a time, and remember that thousands of international students have successfully navigated challenging political climates before you.
Need someone to talk to? Most universities offer free counseling services, and many have counselors who specialize in international student concerns.
FUNDING YOUR FUTURE: Scholarship Opportunities 💰
Fulbright Foreign Student Program Deadline: August 1, 2025
Eligibility: Graduate students from participating countries
Award: Tuition, living stipend, travel costs
AAUW International Fellowships Deadline: November 15, 2025
Eligibility: Women pursuing graduate or postgraduate studies
Award: $18,000-$30,000
Rotary Global GrantsDeadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students studying in fields aligned with Rotary's areas of focus
Award: Varies
Quick Tip: When applying for scholarships, have a professor or writing center review your personal statement. A well-crafted story about your goals and motivations can make your application stand out!
IMMIGRATION CORNER 🛂
Digital I-20 Forms Now Standard Practice
Most U.S. universities now issue digitally signed I-20 forms rather than physical copies. These electronic documents are officially recognized by U.S. embassies, consulates, and border officials. Students should download, print, and sign their digital I-20 before visa interviews and international travel. Here is an example from Georgia Tech about digitally-signed I-20 forms.
🔹We're putting this news headline down here too...This is what the State Department told Embassies and Consulates to do regarding student visas: According to internal State Department communications, U.S. embassies and consulates have been advised not to add additional visa appointment capabilities. While existing appointments will be honored and applications processed, no new capacity is being added, potentially creating longer wait times for student visa appointments. Details at Reuters
Travel Reminder for F-1 StudentsAccording to a May 12, 2025, update from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, F-1 students planning international travel should ensure they have:
A valid visa
A recently signed I-20/DS-2019 (within the last 6 months)
Proof of enrollment and good academic standing
Sufficient funds for re-entry
Always consult with your international student advisor before making travel plans, especially if your visa is near expiration or you've recently changed your status. Read the full ICE travel guidance
AMERICAN LIFE 101: Decoding Government Agencies - Your Guide to Who Does What
Confused about which government agency handles what?
With all the recent news about policy changes, it's important to understand who's responsible for different aspects of your international student experience:
🌍 Department of State
Handles visa processing at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide
Issues your student visa and sets an appointment availability
Manages the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database
🛡️ Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
USCIS: Processes immigration applications and status changes within the U.S.
ICE: Enforces immigration laws and monitors student compliance
CBP: Controls entry at borders and airports
🎓 Department of Education
Oversees university accreditation and federal financial aid programs
Sets guidelines for international student services at universities
💡 Why This Matters
When you see news about policy changes, knowing which agency is involved helps you understand how it might affect you and where to find official information.
🔗 Want to dive deeper? Read our complete guide to understanding U.S. government agencies
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