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ISSS staff advocate for international education on Capitol Hill

Carolyn Salter — Sat, 26 Apr 2025 15:20:07 +0000

ISSS staff advocate for international education on Capitol Hill Carolyn Salter Sat, 04/26/2025 - 09:20

Chris Hertel and Amrine Obermueller from the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office traveled to Washington, D.C. on April 2 to advocate on behalf of international students and scholars and the future of global education in the United States. While in the nation’s capital, they met directly with Wyoming Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, as well as U.S. Representative Harriet Hageman. Additionally, they held discussions with aides from the offices of Colorado U.S. Representative Jon Neguse and Senator Michael Bennet.

During their meetings, Hertel and Obermueller urged lawmakers to restore critical funding for U.S. Department of State international education and exchange programs. They also advocated for sustained support of these programs as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process. In addition to funding discussions, the ISSS representatives emphasized the importance of Congressional oversight of U.S. visa and immigration systems. They encouraged members of Congress to continue using hearings and legislative actions to ensure these systems remain secure, efficient, and accessible, which strengthens both national security and America’s position as a global leader in education. “Our office is deeply passionate about helping and advocating for international students and scholars,” said Amrine Obermueller. “Their presence enriches our campuses and communities, and we want to ensure they continue to have opportunities to study, grow, and contribute here in the U.S.”

The congressional meetings ISSS staff attended were arranged by NAFSA: Association of International Educators as part of their annual Advocacy Day. Nearly 150 attendees from 37 states and Canada participated in 105 meetings, many of them with members of Congress that sit on the committees that influence immigration and education policy.

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April 25, 2025: Class-action lawsuits, temporary restraining orders, & reinstated student visa records FAQ

Mitchell Brooks Wolfe — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 19:04:07 +0000

April 25, 2025: Class-action lawsuits, temporary restraining orders, & reinstated student visa records FAQ Mitchell Brook… Fri, 04/25/2025 - 13:04

The media has been reporting on various lawsuits, including class-action lawsuits, and resulting temporary restraining orders to stop the termination of immigration status and revocation of visas of international students.

The government has reactivated some terminated international student SEVIS records nationally, including some at ��ϳԹ�. ISSS is monitoring this situation closely and informing impacted students whose immigration status has been reactivated.

See the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do temporary restraining orders from recent lawsuits protect all international students impacted by visa revocations and/or termination of their immigration status?

No. As of this writing (April 25, 2025) temporary restraining orders only protect individuals who are part of the lawsuit.

What is a temporary restraining order?

A temporary restraining order is a short-term court order requiring a person or entity to do or cease doing a specific action.

Who can provide additional information about the pending class-action lawsuits and how to join them?

Please consult with an immigration attorney if you have questions about the class-action lawsuits and the temporary restraining orders. The Immigration Law Clinic may be a resource for additional information. ISSS is not able to answer any questions.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

We want you to feel welcomed, supported, and safe throughout your time at ��ϳԹ� and while you're in the United States. If you have questions or just need someone to talk to, ISSS is here to help. You can access both walk-in and remote advising services. Feel free to contact us via email at isss@colorado.edu or call us at 303-492-8057 during our regular office hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For sponsored students, we also offer dedicated walk-in and remote advising. You can reach the Sponsored Student Advising team 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.

Thank you for choosing to be part of ��ϳԹ�—we're glad you're here.

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April 24, 2025: Applications for immigration benefits & visa stamps: Review of social media & antisemitic activities FAQ

Carolyn Salter — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 15:47:33 +0000

April 24, 2025: Applications for immigration benefits & visa stamps: Review of social media & antisemitic activities FAQ Carolyn Salter Thu, 04/24/2025 - 09:47

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on April 9, 2025, that they would begin considering an individual’s “antisemitic activity on social media and the physical harassment of Jewish individuals as grounds for denying immigration benefit requests.” Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) released an internal cable requiring a mandatory social media check for certain student (F, M, and J) visa applicants. These actions are related to two of President Trump’s executive orders, one released on Jan. 20, 2025, and the other released on Jan. 29, 2025.

See the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below for more information. FAQs are based on currently available information and relate only to this announcement and cable.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the USCIS guidance become effective?

The guidance took effect on April 9, 2025.

Who is affected by this guidance?

It applies to individuals who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents including foreign nationals holding nonimmigrant (temporary) visa status such as but not limited to international students and scholars.

What is an “immigration benefit?”

An immigration benefit is any benefit that derives from an application that one files with the USCIS. Examples include an application for an employment authorization document (work permit) to engage in Optional Practical Training and an application to change one’s nonimmigrant status from Exchange Visitor (J-1) to H-1B status.

What content is the USCIS looking for on social media?

According to the USCIS news release, they will “consider social media content that indicates an alien endorsing, espousing, promoting, or supporting antisemitic terrorism, antisemitic terrorist organizations, or other antisemitic activity.”

What will happen if the USCIS finds any content that they think meets this definition on one’s social media?

According to the USCIS news release, the USCIS will consider any such social media content “as a negative factor in any USCIS discretionary analysis when adjudicating immigration benefit requests.”

Will this announcement impact one’s ability to get a visa stamp at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad.

USCIS is not the government agency that issues visa stamps. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) is the government agency that approves or denies visa applications at U.S. consulates and embassies outside of the United States.

Does the U.S. Department of State (DOS) review visa applicants’ social media for such content?

Earlier this month, the DOS released an internal cable stating that “consular officers must refer certain student and exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa applicants to the Fraud Prevention Unit (FPU) for a mandatory social media check…” The internal cable has not been released to the public.

Does the DOS cable indicate what criteria they will use to determine when a mandatory social media check will be required before visa issuance?

The DOS cable states that all new or returning F-1 or J-1 student visa applications meeting one of the following criteria must have a mandatory social media check done before visa issuance:

The consular officer has “reason to believe” that the applicant “has openly advocated for a designated foreign terrorist organization;”
The applicant was previously in the United States in F-1, M-1, or J-1 visa status between Oct. 7, 2023, and Aug. 31, 2024; or
The applicant has a previous SEVIS record that was terminated between Oct. 7, 2023, and the present.

Will this impact processing times for applications for new or continuing student visas?

Most like yes. The consular officers will likely require mandatory social media checks for some visa applicants, and that will slow down the visa issuance process since the DOS cannot issue the visa until the check is completed. For students planning on applying for a visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy during summer break, plan on applying early in the summer and expect delays.

Will this internal DOS cable impact an international student in F-1 or J-1 visa status who is in the United States in valid nonimmigrant status with a valid visa in their passport?

Perhaps. The cable directs consular officers to review valid visas in accordance with this guidance and determine if there is a basis to request that the DOS revoke the visa. The cable states that not only a finding of support for terrorist activity or a terrorist organization but also one that the visa holder “bears a hostile attitude toward U.S. citizens or U.S. culture including government, institutions, or founding principles” may be considered.

If the DOS revokes someone’s visa how will the DOS notify them?

DOS is supposed to send an email message to the email address that the individual used when they applied for the visa, so one should check that email account (including the junk folder) regularly for any emails from the DOS.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

For sponsored students, we also offer dedicated walk-in and remote advising. You can reach the Sponsored Student Advising team 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.

Thank you for choosing to be part of ��ϳԹ�—we're glad you're here.

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REAL ID requirement for domestic travel in the U.S. FAQ

Mitchell Brooks Wolfe — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 21:52:49 +0000

REAL ID requirement for domestic travel in the U.S. FAQ Mitchell Brook… Fri, 04/18/2025 - 15:52

Effective May 7, 2025, travelers in the U.S. must present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to board domestic flights. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to help you prepare for this new requirement. Since this is a new requirement, there may be additional updates or exceptions as implementation progresses. ISSS is actively monitoring this issue and will include updates in our e-newsletter as more information becomes available.

What is a REAL ID?

A REAL ID is a state-issued

driver’s license or identification card that meets increased security standards established by the federal government. Beginning May 7, 2025, travelers will need a REAL ID or another form of TSA-approved identification to fly domestically within the U.S.

In Colorado, the driver's license or state ID has a star in the top right corner to show it is REAL ID compliant.

Can international students and scholars get a REAL ID in Colorado?

Unfortunately, Colorado does not issue REAL ID-compliant licenses or IDs to individuals who are temporarily lawfully present in the U.S., including those in F-1, J-1, or H-1B status.

What are the alternatives if I can’t get a REAL ID?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts several other forms of identification at airport checkpoints, including a foreign government-issued passport and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Cards (I-766) (EAD Card).

Please review the complete list of acceptable documents on the official TSA website.

What if I don’t have my passport with me at the time of travel?

This concern often arises during passport renewal or when applying for a visa to travel to a third country from within the U.S., particularly if the consulate is located outside of Colorado. For example, if your passport is temporarily held by your home country’s consulate during a passport renewal process, you may not have it available for your return domestic flight.

In this case, ISSS recommends:

Contacting your airline and the TSA at your departure airport in advance to explain your situation and ask if a certified copy of your passport will be accepted or if they can provide alternative guidance.
Contacting the consulate to inquire whether expedited processing is possible, allowing you to retain your passport prior to your return to Colorado.
Considering alternative transportation, such as train or car travel, if feasible.

Will there be any changes or exceptions to this requirement?

Because the REAL ID rule is still being implemented, there may be updates or exceptions announced by the federal government or TSA. ISSS will continue to monitor developments and will share relevant updates through our newsletter and website.

Legal Requirement to Carry Immigration Registration Document

Beyond the REAL ID requirement, to comply with this legal requirement, nonimmigrants and lawful permanent residents should carry a printed copy of their I-94 Arrival-Departure Record or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). It is also recommended that individuals carry hard copies of relevant immigration status documents such as their Form I-20, Form DS-2019, or valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD card). This is not a new requirement, but historically it was rarely enforced.

We understand that this change may cause concern, particularly for international scholars and students without access to a REAL ID. As always, ISSS is here to support you. If you have questions about your travel plans or identification options, don’t hesitate to contact our office. We’ll continue to share updates as we receive them.

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April 17, 2025: Registration requirement for dependents who turn 14 years old FAQ

Mitchell Brooks Wolfe — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 17:26:18 +0000

April 17, 2025: Registration requirement for dependents who turn 14 years old FAQ Mitchell Brook… Thu, 04/17/2025 - 11:26

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a rule on March 12, 2025, announcing a new registration requirement. Among other things, the new rule requires minor dependents in nonimmigrant visa status – such as but not limited to F-2, J-2 and H-4 status – to register with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when they turn 14 years old.

See the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below for more information. FAQs are based on currently available information and relate only to this rule.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the new rule become effective?

The order took effect on April 11, 2025.

Who is affected by this rule?

It applies to all minors who are not U.S. citizens, including foreign nationals holding nonimmigrant (temporary) visa status and permanent residents (“green card” holders).

Does this affect international students and scholars and their dependents who were 14 years old or older on April 11, 2025, and have valid nonimmigrant status (F, J, H, etc.)?

No. Only individuals who were younger than 14 years old on April 11, 2025, must register with the USCIS when they turn 14 years old if they are in the United States.

What steps are required to register a nonimmigrant or “green card” holder when they turn 14 years old?

The USCIS website provides instructions on how the minor can register for a USCIS online account and submit Form G-325R, the registration application. Once the form has been reviewed by the USCIS, they will determine if fingerprints and photos are needed. If such steps are needed, the USCIS will schedule an appointment for the minor at a USCIS Applications Support Center to have their fingerprints and photo taken. Please read the USCIS website carefully for detailed instructions.

Is there a fee charged for the minor to register?

No, a nonimmigrant or “green card” holder who turns 14 years old does not need to pay a fee to register with the USCIS.

Can a minor who turns 14 years old register with USCIS using their parent’s USCIS online account.

No. The USCIS website instructions state that the minor must set up their own USCIS online account to register.

Do children under 14 years old and holding dependent visa status (for example F-2, J-2, or H-4 status) need to register now?

No. Only when a nonimmigrant turns 14 years old do they need to register with USCIS.

Is there a “grace period” for a minor to register with the USCIS once they turn 14 years old?

The minor must register within 30 days of turning 14 years old.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

We want you to feel supported, safe, and comfortable during your time at ��ϳԹ� 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 ��ϳԹ� community. ISSS is here to assist you so please reach out to us if you need anything.

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