Back to Basics Reminders for Students

in Immigration Actions Trump 2.0
January 30th, 2025

Since taking office on January 20th, President Trump has signed a series of executive orders (EO), with more anticipated in the coming weeks. These measures, which aim to overhaul the U.S. immigration system, are poised to have consequences for undocumented immigrants, refugees and international travelers. Several EOs have focused on increased vetting and screening for individuals seeking admission to the U.S., including F-1 and J-1 students. It directs agencies to intensify scrutiny for individuals from countries with identified security risks including those already in the US. While the full implications remain unclear, this order implies future travel bans and stricter visa requirements are likely to be implemented. We are carefully monitoring these developments, but it is still too soon to know exactly when or how these EOs will be clarified or enforced.

While there are no new bans yet that restrict entry to the US, the ISSO recommends that students avoid travelling outside of the US until there is further clarity from the Trump administration. If you have an urgent professional or personal need to travel internationally, you should check the ISSO Travel Advisory and contact your ISSO Advisor to discuss the increased risks of travel during this time of uncertainty. Additionally, if you do not have a valid student visa to return, you should be prepared for expanded visa application screening which may result in increased delays and denials. You will need to weigh the risk of how a leave of absence could impact your studies if you get stuck outside of the US.

We appreciate that you may have questions and may be anxious during this time of increased uncertainty. We will continue to update our community as details become clearer. As always, connect with an ISSO Advisor-on-Call with quick questions or confer directly with your ISSO Advisor by scheduling an appointment.

In the meantime, we wish to remind you of the importance of understanding the documents, regulations and systems involved in maintaining your student immigration status. There is detailed information available at the ISSO website but here are a few basics to keep in mind:

• Federal regulations mandate that you carry your immigration documents on your person at all times. While many students prefer to keep digital copies on a phone to safeguard documents, regulations require you to have the following original documents in your possession to document your lawful status:
  • your passport valid at least 6 months into the future
  • a printed copy of your most recent I-20 or DS-2019
  • a printed copy of your most recent I-94 arrival record
• Understand and pay close attention to the regulations pertaining to your F-1 or J-1 student status to maintain your lawful status in the U.S. This includes:
  • Address Updates – You are required to update your local US and your foreign address within 10 days of a move. See details on how to update your address in the MyBUStudent and ISSOPortal so we can update your addresses in SEVIS.
  • Enrollment – You must maintain a full course load of study during the academic year and be careful not to exceed online course enrollment limits. Summers are permitted vacation periods provided you will enroll in the following fall term. In your final semester, or in the event of a medical challenge, you should confer with your ISSO Advisor about eligibility for a Reduced Course Load (RCL). Never withdraw from classes that could change your full-time enrollment status without speaking to your ISSO Advisor first.
  • Program Expiration Date – Pay close attention to the program end date on your I-20 or DS-2019. It is the expiration date of your lawful F-1 or J-1 status. If you need additional time to complete your studies, apply for a program extension through the ISSOPortal in advance.
  • Employment – Do not exceed on-campus employment restrictions and never work off-campus without authorization. Degree seeking students may work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic year. For off campus employment, you must be authorized in advance through F-1 CPT, F-1 OPT or J-1 Academic Training before starting any work. Refresh your knowledge about employment options from the ISSO website.
• Check out the BUPD FAQs about staying safe on campus and how to respond if you are approached by a law enforcement official. Call BUPD at 617.353.2211 immediately if you need assistance.
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Remember that you have the right to remain silent and are not obligated to disclose or discuss your immigration or citizenship status to law enforcement officials. While participating in a demonstration or protest event, it is important to follow instructions and remain calm and respectful when interacting with law enforcement officials. If you do not comply, you may be arrested or detained. Being arrested could have negative and far-reaching consequences for your non-immigrant status in the U.S. It is also important to consider how your activities while in the U.S. may be interpreted in your home country and if there could be action taken upon your return home in relation to an arrest or participation in protest events while in the U.S.

• Be vigilant of scams. You will never be asked for money over the phone by any official U.S. government or law enforcement agency. Do not give personal details or money in any form, including in gift cards, to someone over the phone claiming to be calling regarding your visa or immigration status. If you receive such calls, report to the BUPD. If you have concerns about if a call is a scam and would like to check your immigration status, contact your ISSO Advisor.
• Avoid unreliable media sources designed to create anxiety and confusion. If you need clarity on something you are unsure about, please reach out to the ISSO.