What the new federal actions mean for you

Each US administration brings changes that impact higher education. Since January, new regulations, proposed budget cuts, and executive orders have emerged at a rapid pace. The scope of these policy shifts have raised questions across our community. The University administration and our Federal Relations team in Washington, D.C., are closely monitoring and analyzing these new directives to determine what they mean for our students, faculty, and staff. Despite the changing landscape, we remain steadfast in our commitment to our mission of teaching and research, and generating new knowledge to benefit society. Our team will continue to advocate for Boston University’s students, faculty, and staff, and higher education in general.

Boston University is a member of the Council on Governmental Relations, which maintains a full list of presidential and federal agency actions on its website.

This page will serve as an information hub to keep our community informed about how directives and policies from the executive branch are being implemented at BU. Our information will evolve as needed. Please check back regularly.

What does a shutdown mean for students who utilize federal student aid?

According to the Department of Education: “The Department will continue to disburse student aid such as Pell Grants and Federal Direct Student loans, and student loan borrowers will still be required to make payments on their outstanding student debt.”

What does a shutdown mean for researchers with current or pending federal grants?

Investigators should check the Office of Research 2025 Administration Transition Information website and stay in close touch with their Sponsored Programs contacts for the most current guidelines. Federally funded researchers should continue to work on their grants and contracts unless their agency or program officer has advised them otherwise.

What does a shutdown mean for international visitors or US citizens traveling abroad?

According to the State Department: “Consular operations domestically and abroad will remain operational. This includes passports, visas, and assisting US citizens abroad. All US embassies and consulates abroad will be operational for national security reasons.”

As of now, the vast majority of research at Boston University should continue as planned. Lawsuits and temporary restraining orders have halted recent federal directives around budget reductions and program freezes and cancellations. The University will continue to monitor the latest developments and share information relevant to researchers on this Office of Research page.

Maintaining a community that fosters inclusivity, integrity, and positive impact is central to the University’s mission. Our teams in Boston and Washington, D.C., continue to assess the impact of recent executive orders and to monitor additional guidance as it is being released. You can find answers to frequently asked questions on our Community, Civility & Free Speech site.

Boston University is committed to the safety and security of all members of our community. Recent federal actions related to immigration enforcement have created concern and uncertainty. Please find below links to different University resources for immigration updates, mental health support, information about safety on campus, and more.

Federal Policy Updates Affecting International Students & Scholars

International students and scholars should regularly check the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) website page dedicated to federal immigration-related actions and contact their ISSO advisor with questions about travel, employment, and maintaining visa status. Given the uncertainty surrounding potential travel restrictions, which could be implemented without warning, ISSO is encouraging international students and scholars to review the Current Travel Advisory

Legal Assistance, Mental Health Support, and More

In April 2025, the University launched BU Support Pathways, a resource hub designed to support our community, with services ranging from legal advice to summer housing options. The program will also help link individuals to education, financial support, and mental health services.

Information for Newly Admitted International Students 

If you’re a newly admitted international undergraduate student, you should visit our Admissions website to find guidance on the visa and immigration process. Incoming international graduate and professional students should visit the Graduate Education website to find helpful information for relocating to Boston and the US.

Safety & Security

The Boston University Police Department does not have the authority to enforce federal immigration law nor to detain individuals based on their immigration status. Visit our Safety, Security & Preparedness site to learn about the University’s longstanding protocols for safeguarding our community.

Know Your Rights

In addition, international students and scholars may wish to familiarize themselves with their legal rights in the event they are approached by federal immigration authorities. There are numerous “Know Your Rights” guides available online, including this guide from the National Immigration Law Center, as well as this resource guide specifically for BU’s international community.