Immigration Under New Federal Administration

Dear UT Dallas International Students and Alumni,

We hope that you are doing well, wherever you may be. We know that many of you may have questions or concerns regarding the recent election and new appointments in the U.S. federal administration, and whether these changes may affect the immigration landscape going forward.

At this time, we would like to provide some considerations and suggestions for the immediate future. The ISSO will continue working to support our international students and to keep you informed of important developments that could have an effect on your plans while you reside in the U.S. 

What do I need to know about the administration change right now?

When a new federal administration is elected in the U.S., this can result in changes to immigration policy and practice. This is a normal feature of our system of government, and ISSO advisors are equipped to quickly determine when such changes occur, what implications there could be for our students and alumni, and what action (if any) needs to be taken to address new considerations that may arise. For now, you should focus on what steps you can take currently and going forward to maximize the safety of your non-immigrant status, including:

• Plan travel abroad carefully. Inauguration day will be on Monday, January 20, 2025. If possible, we strongly encourage all students and alumni to return to the U.S. before this date if you will be vacationing abroad for the holidays. This may help avoid potential disruptions in your ability to timely return to the country.
• All non-immigrants should carry copies of your immigration documents (I-20/ DS-2019, passport, visa/ I-797A, etc) with you  at all times. If you have not already been doing so, you should ensure that you follow this practice going forward.
• Ensure that you are taking appropriate steps to maintain your non-immigrant status. F-1 students can review our Maintain F-1 Status web page for details. Do everything within your power not to put your status at risk – for example, F-1 students should timely enroll for classes that meet their enrollment requirements each term and should not drop courses mid-term without first consulting the ISSO. If you fall out of status for any reason, talk to an ISSO advisor and take steps as soon as possible to regain your status.
• Stay informed using reputable sources of information. This includes U.S. government resources (USCIS, SEVP, ICE) and ISSO resources and communications. As noted, our office will communicate promptly when any significant immigration changes occur that may affect our students and alumni. Continue to monitor your UTD email, ISSO social media, and our Immigration Newsletter for updates. If you have questions about any changes that may occur, refer our advising services.
• Seek out other campus resources as needed, such as the Student Government Immigration Attorney, Counseling Center, or any relevant student organizations for support.

What do I need to know about participating in protests as a non-immigrant?

We would like our students and alumni to know that international students have protections under the first amendment of the U.S. constitution and are welcome to participate in lawful public protests and demonstrations.

International students are advised to use good judgement and caution when deciding how to participate in political activism or activities. Should the activities become violent or threatening in the eyes of law enforcement, your continued attendance or participation could result in a violation or arrest which could impact your immigration status and your ability to enter or remain in the U.S.  Generally, there is only a risk of being arrested when actions impinge on the rights of others, individuals ignore instructions from law enforcement personnel, and/or violence is imminent. Before attending any public demonstrations, make preparations to stay safe and keep in touch with others in case the situation escalates.

As a reminder, any on or off campus activities that result in a violation, arrest or actions that prevent you from meeting your F-1 enrollment and physical presence requirements could impact your immigration status and your ability to enter and remain in the U.S. If you are in need of legal counsel, please see our Legal Resources page.

What do I do if I have an immigration emergency?

The following scenarios constitute an immigration emergency:

• You have been detained at the airport/ border upon re-entry to the U.S.
• You are in the hospital due to a medical emergency
• You have been arrested
• Your visa/ status has been revoked by a federal agency, or you are subject to deportation

If you find yourself in one of the above scenarios, first call the ISSO front desk (972-883-4189) if it is within the office’s open hours (9am to 5pm, Central Time). If it is outside normal office hours, follow the instructions on our Get Emergency Assistance web page under the “F-1 or J-1 International Students” section.

ISSO is here for you

The ISSO will continue to do everything within our ability to support our international students and alumni, because your decision to come to the U.S. to study matters, and your presence here benefits the UTD community and our country as a whole. All of us in the ISSO want you to succeed in your endeavors, and we will keep doing what we can to help make that possible.

You can reach out to the ISSO through your iComet Portal, join us for a Live Chat online, or schedule an appointment. You can also check us out on Facebook or Instagram.