February 5, 2025: Antisemitism & impact on universities FAQ

Presidential Executive Order Regarding Additional Measures to Combat Antisemitism

President Trump issued an on Jan. 29, 2025, which in part requested within 60 days of the order the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Education, and the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide reports to the President:

identifying relevant authorities and actions to curb or combat antisemitism in the United States and
making recommendations to the president on how to “familiarize” institutions of higher education with existing immigration law. The goal of familiarizing institutions of higher education is “so that such institutions may monitor and report” certain student activities, but nothing in the order requires it.

See the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below for details about this executive order. Please note that FAQs are based on currently available information and relate to the proclamation.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the new executive order become effective?

The effective date of the executive order was Jan. 29.

Does the new order require an international student or scholar to leave the United States?

No. The new executive order does not require anyone in the United States to depart. The U.S. government will not ask an international student or scholar to leave the country if they maintain and do not violate their current immigration status.

What is 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(3)?

is the section of the U.S. immigration law which describes the criteria that make foreign nationals (i.e., not U.S. citizens or “green card” holders) ineligible to enter the U.S. or be issued visas. This executive order does not change this section (or any other section of the immigration law) including the ineligibility grounds. specifically details the grounds related to national security and related grounds such as but not limited to association with terrorist activities and potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences.

Does this executive order change the legal bases for why an international student or scholar could be denied entry to the United States or a U.S. visa or be put in proceedings to be deported from the United States?

No. This order merely identifies existing immigration law, which provides that potential bases for deportation of a non-citizen include “endors[ing] or espous[ing] terrorist activity or persuad[ing] others to endorse or espouse terrorist activity or support a terrorist organization.”

Does the executive order change what ISSS on behalf of 91�� reports to the U.S. government regarding the visa status of an international students or scholar on campus?

The executive order does not expand what information ISSS on behalf of 91�� is to the federal government via the SEVIS federal database.

How does FERPA and/or Colorado law impact how institutions of higher education monitor/report on activities by non-U.S. citizen students and staff?

Laws, including FERPA, continue to apply and are not superseded by the executive orders. More importantly, the order does not mandate monitoring or reporting by institutions of higher education.

If an international student or scholar has questions about maintaining their nonimmigrant (visa) status, to whom should they reach out?

For general questions about maintaining nonimmigrant status, please read the following ISSS webpages:
•   Students in F-1 Status Overview
•   Students in J-1 Status Overview
•    Scholars in J-1 Status Overview
•    Scholars in H-1B Status Overview

For specific questions, ISSS offers walk-in and remote advising. You can reach ISSS via our general email account isss@colorado.edu or by phone at 303-492-8057 during normal office hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For our sponsored students, ISSS offers specific walk-in and remote advising and our Sponsored Student Advising team can be reached directly at sponsoredadvising@colorado.edu.

I have more questions about free speech in the United States and U.S. immigration laws. Where can I find more information?

ISSS is working to find experts on campus who can present on this topic. Please check our website regularly for upcoming events and programs.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

We want you to feel supported, safe, and comfortable during your time at 91�� and in the United States. If you need to talk or have any questions, we are here for you.

Campus Resources

ISSS wants you to know you can always talk to us or use the other resources on campus. Here are some resources we recommend:

Don’t Ignore It: Report a concern about discrimination and harassment, sexual assault, stalking, abusive conduct, classroom disruptions, and ethics concerns or refer someone you are concerned about.
Students: Use our friendly campus counseling services to talk through feelings of anxiety, loneliness, stress, or just to have someone supportive to talk to.
Faculty and Staff: Reach out to the Faculty & Staff Assistance Program to set up a time to chat with a trained counselor.

We are glad that you have chosen to be a part of the 91�� community. ISSS is here to assist you so please reach out to us if you need anything.

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