November 6, 2025: This Week in International Student News
- Carrie Circosta
- Nov 5, 2025
- 6 min read
It’s official—the US government shutdown just became the longest in American history.
Lawmakers are pointing fingers, federal workers are missing paychecks, and the Statue of Liberty might as well swap her torch for a "Be back in 15 minutes" sign.
But not everything is shut down...including this newsletter. Here's what I'm covering this week:
📰 Top Headlines: Florida bans H-1B hiring at public universities, Trump administration considers ending OPT tax exemption, and a Bard College student's ICE detention sparks campus protests
💰 Featured Scholarship: MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship—awards ranging from $1,000 to $8,000 for international and DACA students, deadline January 31, 2026
🌟 Interesting Find: International students are looking beyond the US—see what countries hit record enrollment numbers
⚡ Deep Dive: Immigration Corner: Can Governor Ron DeSantis Actually Ban H-1B Hiring at Florida Universities?—exploring the legal authority behind the order and what rights foreign workers have in the US
Unlike Congress, let's keep things moving....
Carrie at International Student Voice ⭐
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📰 TOP 3 HEADLINES FROM THE WEEK
🎓 Florida Universities Ordered to Stop Hiring H-1B Workers
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has directed the state's 12 public universities to stop hiring foreign workers on H-1B visas, citing a need to prioritize American workers. The policy, which takes effect immediately, applies to new hires and could impact hundreds of faculty and staff positions across the state university system. University leaders are concerned this will hurt their ability to recruit top talent in specialized fields like engineering, computer science, and medicine—areas where international experts often fill critical gaps. The move aligns with DeSantis's broader immigration stance but has drawn criticism from higher education advocates who argue it will damage Florida's academic competitiveness and research capabilities. Current H-1B employees can stay, but universities must now navigate complex workarounds for future hiring needs. (Inside Higher Ed)
💰 US Eyes Ending OPT Tax Break for International Students
The Trump administration is considering eliminating a tax exemption that currently saves international students on OPT thousands of dollars annually. Under current law, OPT participants don't pay Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA)—a benefit worth roughly 7.65% of their salary. Ending this exemption would mean students earning $60,000 could lose nearly $4,600 per year. The proposal is part of broader immigration policy discussions, with supporters arguing it levels the playing field with American workers, while critics warn it makes the US less attractive to international talent. If implemented, the change would affect over 250,000 students currently on OPT and could influence where international graduates choose to work post-graduation. Immigration experts say this move, combined with other OPT restrictions, signals a significant shift in how the US treats international student employment. (The PIE News)
🚨 Bard College Student Detained by ICE Sparks Calls for Release
A Bard College student was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), prompting widespread calls for their release from students, faculty, and advocacy groups. The detention has sparked protests on campus and raised alarm about increased ICE enforcement targeting college students. Bard's administration is working with legal counsel to support the student, while classmates have organized rallies and petition drives demanding immediate release. The incident highlights growing fears among international students about immigration enforcement on and near college campuses—a concern that's intensified under stricter federal policies. Immigration attorneys warn that students should understand their rights, avoid signing documents without legal counsel, and stay informed about their visa status. The case has reignited debates about sanctuary campus policies and whether universities should do more to protect international students from immigration enforcement. (News 12 Westchester)
🎓 FEATURED SCHOLARSHIP
MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship Now Open
MPOWER Financing is accepting applications for its Global Citizen Scholarship, offering awards ranging from $1,000 to $8,000 for international and DACA students. To be eligible, you must be accepted or enrolled full-time at an MPOWER-supported school in the U.S. or Canada. The scholarship is open to students at any degree level—undergraduate, graduate, or professional programs. Winners are selected based on their essay submissions, which should demonstrate academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. The application deadline is January 31, 2026, and winners will be notified within 8 weeks. (MPOWER Financing)
🔍 INTERESTING FIND
🌍 International Students Are Looking Beyond Traditional Destinations
While the US faces uncertainty around immigration policies, international student enrollment is surging in alternative study destinations. South Korea has reached a milestone of 300,000 international students for the first time, driven by growing interest in K-culture, competitive tuition rates, and expanding English-taught programs. Meanwhile, Ireland has seen a 38% surge in interest from Indian students, making it one of the fastest-growing destinations for this key demographic. Both countries are actively investing in international education infrastructure and post-study work opportunities to attract global talent. These trends suggest that international students are increasingly diversifying their choices, seeking countries with welcoming policies, affordable education, and clear pathways to employment. (The PIE News - South Korea | The PIE News - Ireland)
News in 1 Sentence
Foreign scholars are skipping US conferences and academic opportunities due to visa concerns and protests over restrictive immigration policies.
Wealthy Indians are paying up to $800,000 to bypass H-1B visa hurdles through investment-based immigration programs.
An NIU international student shares how the Trump administration's policies have made the already difficult visa process even more challenging.
The New York Times charted the decline in international students coming to the U.S. and what it means for American higher education.
Changes to international student policies could reduce US GDP by up to $481 billion per year, according to a new study.
UC workers are calling on the University of California to ban ICE agents from campuses to protect international students and undocumented community members.
DEEP DIVE: IMMIGRATION CORNER 🛂
Can Governor DeSantis Really Ban H-1B Hiring at Florida Universities?
When I first heard about Governor Ron DeSantis ordering Florida's 12 public universities to stop hiring H-1B workers, my immediate reaction was: Wait, is this even legal?
It felt like discrimination.
So I dug into the law to understand what's really happening here—and whether foreign workers have any protections at all.
The Short Answer: Yes, He Can—But It's Complicated
As governor, DeSantis has authority over state institutions, including public universities. This directive to the Florida Board of Governors is a policy decision about how state employers operate, and it's effective immediately.
So technically, yes, he can issue this order.
Why Governor DeSantis Has This Authority
Public universities are state employers, which means they fall under the governor's jurisdiction.
This isn't a change to federal immigration law—it's a state-level employment policy directed at institutions that receive state funding. The governor oversees state agencies and can dictate hiring practices for state employees.
But Here's the Catch
Just because he can issue the order doesn't mean it's legally bulletproof.
Immigration and work authorization are federal matters, and when state policies conflict with federal law, the Supremacy Clause says federal law wins.
Legal experts are already raising concerns about federal preemption—the idea that states can't regulate areas that belong to the federal government.
There's also the issue of discrimination. H-1B workers are protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and Florida's own Civil Rights Act, which prohibit national origin discrimination.
A blanket ban on hiring people based on their visa status could be challenged as a proxy for discriminating against workers from certain countries. And because public universities are state actors, they face additional scrutiny under the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution.
Florida is already in court over similar restrictions. In 2023, the state passed SB 846, which targeted employment ties with "countries of concern." Parts of that law have been temporarily blocked by a federal judge, signaling that courts are skeptical of state-level nationality-based employment bans.
What Rights Do Foreign Workers Have?
Here's something many people don't realize: H-1B workers and other foreign employees working legally in the US do have rights.
They're protected against national origin discrimination under federal law (Title VII) and Florida state law (Florida Civil Rights Act). Employers—public or private—can't treat workers differently simply because of where they're from or their immigration status.
Additionally, the Immigration and Nationality Act (IRCA) prohibits discrimination based on citizenship status for "protected individuals," which includes lawful permanent residents and certain visa holders.
If you're a foreign worker in the US, it's worth checking what protections are available in your own state, as laws can vary. Some states offer stronger anti-discrimination protections than others, and knowing your rights can help you identify when a policy crosses the line.
The Bottom Line
DeSantis's order is in effect now, but expect legal challenges. This could set a precedent for other states considering similar policies, and it's a situation international scholars, students, and workers should watch closely. The intersection of state authority and federal immigration law is messy, and I'm sure this fight is far from over.
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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