EO

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

Mitchell Brooks Wolfe — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 15:27:51 +0000

March 18, 2025: Serious Considerations If Traveling Outside of the United States Mitchell Brook… Tue, 03/18/2025 - 09:27

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 executive order 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 border makes the determination whether to admit someone as a nonimmigrant 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.

Off

Traditional

White

March 10, 2025: Furloughs & impact on international visitors & employees

Carolyn Salter — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 12:04:49 +0000

March 10, 2025: Furloughs & impact on international visitors & employees Carolyn Salter Tue, 03/11/2025 - 06:04

Furloughs - temporary unpaid leaves of absence - can have significant implications for international employees and visitors on various U.S. visa types. The impact depends on the visa category, such as H-1B, J-1, TN, or F-1, as many employment-based visas require continuous employment to maintain legal status. Understanding these complexities is crucial to ensuring compliance with US immigration laws and avoiding unintended consequences.

See the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below for details. As of this writing, ISSS is not aware of any impending furloughs. Please note that FAQs are based on currently available information and do not relate to any specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

If a current Exchange Visitor in J-1 status is subject to a mandatory temporary furlough due to a termination (temporary or permanent) of the government grant funding their activities, can they maintain their immigration status if they have sufficient personal funds to support themselves in the U.S. even though they are unable to engage in their Exchange Visitor activities (e.g. research)?

No, if an Exchange Visitor (J-1 visa holder) is subject to a furlough and unable to participate in their Exchange Visitor Program activities and fulfill their program objectives (e.g. engage in research), their stay in the U.S. would need to be shortened, and they would be required to leave the country. In most cases, the Exchange Visitor would have a 30-day grace period following the start date of the furlough. During the grace period, they could not engage in activities on campus or be employed by the university, but they are able to stay in the U.S. and wrap up their personal affairs and travel or file an application with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to request to change to a different nonimmigrant status.

Can an employee in H-1B status be furloughed?

No, an H-1B visa holder cannot be furloughed. U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and USCIS regulations require employers to continue paying employees in H-1B status their required wages even during a temporary lack of work or loss of funding for their salaries.

Can an employee who is TN visa holder (available to Canadian and Mexican citizens in some professional positions per the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) be furloughed?

No, a TN worker placed on an unpaid furlough would no longer maintain their immigration status and would be required to leave the U.S. immediately.

Can a 91�� graduate in F-1 status who is participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT) be furloughed?

Yes, an F-1 visa holder on Optional Practical Training (OPT) can be furloughed and maintain their immigration status; however, they must ensure they do not exceed the allowed unemployment limits under OPT.

If the alum remains an employee with benefits while on furlough, they continue to maintain valid F-1 status if they resume work once the furlough ends. However, the unpaid time during the furlough may count toward the alum’s 90-day unemployment limit (for post-completion OPT). Due to the lack of guidance from SEVP, it is unclear to ISSS if F-1 visa holders in OPT must report being furloughed with benefits as unemployment in the SEVP Portal. ISSS advises if the F-1 visa holder is furloughed and their employer terminates their employee benefits (e.g., medical insurance), the alum should report unemployment in the SEVP Portal. F-1 visa holders on OPT should document any employment disruptions carefully and may want to consider securing another job or engaging in volunteer work related to their degree to maintain their OPT status.

Can a 91�� graduate in F-1 status who is participating in STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) be furloughed?

Yes, an F-1 visa holder on STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) can be furloughed and maintain their immigration status; however, they must ensure they do not exceed the allowed unemployment limits for STEM OPT.

If the alum remains an employee with benefits while on furlough, they remain in valid F-1 status if they resume work once the furlough ends. However, the unpaid time during the furlough may count toward the 150-day unemployment limit (for post-completion STEM OPT). Due to the lack of guidance from SEVP, it is unclear to ISSS if F-1 visa holders in STEM OPT must report being furloughed with benefits as unemployment in the SEVP Portal. ISSS advises if the F-1 visa holder is furloughed and their employer terminates their employee benefits (e.g., medical insurance), the alum should report unemployment in the SEVP Portal. F-1 visa holders on STEM OPT should carefully document any employment disruptions and may want to consider securing other paid employment through an E-Verify employer.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

We want you to feel welcomed, secure, and well-supported throughout your time at 91�� and in the U.S. 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.

Off

Traditional

White

February 5, 2025: Antisemitism & impact on universities FAQ

Mitchell Brooks Wolfe — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 22:33:57 +0000

February 5, 2025: Antisemitism & impact on universities FAQ Mitchell Brook… Wed, 02/12/2025 - 15:33

Presidential Executive Order Regarding Additional Measures to Combat Antisemitism

President Trump issued an executive order 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)?

8 U.S.C. 1182 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. Subsection (a)(3) of 8 U.S.C. 1182 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 required to report about students or scholars in F-1 or J-1 statuses 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.

Off

Traditional

White

February 5, 2025: U.S. immigration documents must indicate biological sex of male or female FAQ

Mitchell Brooks Wolfe — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 21:22:42 +0000

February 5, 2025: U.S. immigration documents must indicate biological sex of male or female FAQ Mitchell Brook… Tue, 02/11/2025 - 14:22

Presidential Executive Order Regarding Gender Ideology

President Trump issued an executive order on Jan. 20, 2025, requiring, among other things, that federal agencies make changes so that U.S. government-issued identification documents, including passports, visas, and Global Entry cards, reflect the holder’s “sex” not “gender, ” and referring to “sex” as “an individual’s immutable biological classification as either male or female” and not as one’s gender identity. The order provides that “[i]t is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female.”

Department of State- Sex Marker in Passports

See the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below for more information. FAQs are based on the currently available information in and related to the presidential action.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the new executive order become effective?

The order took effect on Jan. 20, 2025.

Who is affected by this executive order?

It applies to all individuals applying for U.S. immigration documents, including foreign nationals requesting visas or permanent residency “green cards.” It also applies to U.S. citizens including those applying for passports.

Does this affect international students and scholars with existing U.S. visa stamps in their passports?

Possibly. If a U.S. visa indicates anything other than “M” or “F” under “Sex” (e.g., “X”), it is unclear if the U.S. government will remain valid for entry into the U.S. Contact ISSS if your visa indicates anything other than “M” or “F” and you intend to travel internationally so that ISSS can advise on any updated government guidance. The U.S. Department of State may require you to apply for a new visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad.

How does the executive order affect U.S. visa applications for passport holders with nonbinary or other sex/gender markers?

The U.S. government's policy on issuing visas for such passports remains unclear. Contact ISSS before international travel for updates on U.S. government guidance.

Are online resources available if I want to read more about this executive order?

The text of the executive order is posted on the White House website in the “Executive Actions” section under “Presidential Actions.”

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. ISSS offers walk-in and remote advising. You can also reach us 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.

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:

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.

Off

Traditional

White

January 31, 2025: Laken Riley Act becomes law FAQ

Mitchell Brooks Wolfe — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 22:28:43 +0000

January 31, 2025: Laken Riley Act becomes law FAQ Mitchell Brook… Fri, 01/31/2025 - 15:28

President Trump signed amendments to the Laken Riley Act into law on Jan. 29, requiring the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to detain individuals unlawfully present in the United States who have been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or have admitted to having committed acts of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. These offenses are in addition to any “assault of a law enforcement officer offense or any crime that results in death or serious bodily injury to another person.”

See the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below for details about this new law and any impact on international students and scholars at 91��. Please note that FAQs are based on the currently available information in and related to the law.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the law become effective?

The effective date of the law is Jan. 29.

To whom does the law apply?

The new law only applies to individuals who do not have lawful U.S. immigration status or did not have the appropriate immigration documents when they applied to be admitted to the U.S. It does not apply to individuals who have lawful immigration status (such as F-1, J-1, or H-1B status) and used appropriate immigration documents when they entered the United States.

How will the law impact international students and scholars if they are charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admit to having committed acts of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting?

For any criminal charges or arrests, ISSS always advises that the international student or scholar hire an immigration attorney to provide legal advice. Student Legal Services on campus provides to students only limited legal advice regarding immigration matters and legal consultations and representation for some criminal defense issues. ISSS is not able to provide advice regarding personal matters including those related to criminal charges or arrests.

Are online resources available if I want to read more about the Laken Riley Act?

A summary and the text of the act is posted on the Congress.gov website.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

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:

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.

Off

Traditional

White

January 23, 2025: Increased review and screening for U.S. immigration benefits FAQ

Carolyn Salter — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 18:26:05 +0000

January 23, 2025: Increased review and screening for U.S. immigration benefits FAQ Carolyn Salter Thu, 01/23/2025 - 11:26

Presidential Executive Order Establishing Enhanced Vetting and Screening of Individuals Seeking U.S. Immigration Benefits

President Trump issued an executive order on Jan. 20 instituting increased review of applications for U.S. immigration benefits including visas and admission to the United States.

See the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below for details about this new requirement. Please note that FAQs are based on the currently available information in and related to the proclamation.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the new executive order become effective?

The effective date of the executive order was Jan. 20.

To whom does the executive order apply?

The new restriction applies to any individual (foreign national) who applies for a U.S. immigration benefit such as but not limited to visas, admission (entry) to the United States, permanent residency “green card” applications, petitions for non-immigrant temporary status, etc. It does not apply to U.S. citizens.

Does the executive order put in place a travel ban?

No. The executive order does not implement a travel ban. However, it requires 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.

How will the executive order impact pending immigration applications including visa applications at U.S. consulates and embassies and permanent residency applications pending with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services?

To carry out the executive order, federal agencies will likely scrutinize all applications more which will slow down the process. There may be delays as well when seeking to be admitted to the United States at the airports or land borders.

Does the new entry restriction require an international student and scholar to leave the United States?

No. The new restriction does not require anyone in the United States to depart. The restrictions do not affect the immigration status for those who are already present in the United States. The U.S. government will not ask them to leave the country if they maintain their current immigration status.

Are online resources available if I want to read more about the new entry restrictions?

The text of the executive order is posted on the White House website in the “Executive Actions” section under “Presidential Actions.”

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

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:

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.

Off

Traditional

White