March 18, 2025: Serious Considerations If Traveling Outside of the United States

With Spring Break approaching next week, international students and scholars planning to travel outside the United States should carefully consider the complexities of U.S. immigration laws. ISSS, with support from university and campus leadership, urges international visa holders to consider potential future policy changes—such as travel bans currently being reported in the media—that could impact their return.

See the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below for details. As of this writing, ISSS does not have any official information released by the federal government about any impending travel bans or other changes in U.S. immigration policies. FAQs are based on currently available information and do not relate to any specific situation.

Ultimately one is responsible for their own decision whether to travel outside of the United States. This FAQ is to help you make an informed decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has the federal government issued a travel ban for citizens of certain countries?

No, the federal government has not issued a travel ban or taken any other official action that impacts a visa holder’s ability to reenter the United States after traveling abroad.

In the news, they are reporting about an upcoming potential travel ban for citizens of up to 43 countries. Why is this being reported now?��

President Trump issued an��on Jan. 20 instituting increased review of applications for U.S. immigration benefits including visas and admission to the United States. That order required that, within 60 days, a report be submitted to the president identifying countries whose citizens should be subject to a full or partial ban on entering the United States. Day 60 will be Friday, March 21.�� Please read the FAQ published on the ISSS website on Jan. 23 for more details about the previous executive order.

If there is no travel ban currently in place, why should a visa holder worry about traveling outside of the United States now?

Given that the report mentioned above is due to the president on March 21, the federal government may issue a travel ban shortly after that date and it could apply to visa holders outside of the United States, preventing them from reentering. If that happens, the CU system administration, 91��, and ISSS do not have the authority to influence government officials to admit international students and scholars impacted by any possible travel ban(s).

How can visa holders know in advance what citizens of which countries may be part of a future travel ban(s)?

There is no method to accurately predict which countries’ citizens may be impacted. The press is reporting a potential list of countries, but that is not official and therefore subject to change.��

If a travel ban is issued, will visa holders who are citizens of the impacted countries need to depart the country?

The university cannot speculate on what the contents of any future changes in immigration policy may be or require. However, ISSS will send email messages directly to all international students and scholars impacted by any changes. ISSS will also post an update on their Immigration Alerts website.

Would U.S. lawful permanent residents (“green card” holders) be impacted by any future travel ban(s) or other immigration policy changes?

It is impossible to foresee with certainty whether future travel ban(s) or other policy changes could impact “green card” holders. Checking the ISSS Immigration Alerts website is the best way to obtain information about U.S. immigration policy changes and whom they impact.

If someone has a valid visa stamp in their passport and possesses all necessary immigration documents (such as Form I-20, an approval notice, or Form DS-2019), are they guaranteed entry into the United States?

No, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) official at the airport or land each time the person presents their immigration documents and seeks admission to the country. Please read this ISSS website for tips on what visa holders should keep in mind when seeking to reenter the United States after foreign travel.

If there is a change in U.S. immigration policies that impact a campus visa holder’s ability to travel or be in the United States, how will they know?

ISSS will promptly email international students and scholars who are citizens of countries that are specifically impacted by changes in U.S. immigration policies, including travel ban(s). ISSS will also publish a FAQ on their Immigration Alerts website.��

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

We want you to feel welcomed, secure, and well-supported throughout your time at 91�� and in the US. If you need to talk or have any questions, ISSS is 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.

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