Immigration and Travel Considerations Before a New Federal Administration
As with every election, a new federal administration can implement changes in policies, regulations and procedures. It is still too early to know if, or when, there may be changes to travel, visa processing and immigration regulations that could impact our community. The ISSO is closely monitoring the change in administration and will update students, scholars and university stakeholders when we have more details or developments occur. In the meantime, we would encourage everyone to keep in mind:
- Each international student and scholar immigration situation is different. We encourage you to speak to your ISSO advisor if you have questions. Avoid making decisions based on social media, news reports and rumors that predict potential new policies and regulations. Rely on official documentation from the appropriate government agency and guidance from the ISSO. While many social media networks and news agencies are speculating what could be implemented under a new administration, not everything that has happened in the past, or promises during a political campaign will be implemented.
- Legislative and regulatory changes take time. There are formal procedures to issue Executive Orders, legislation, regulations, and policy changes. While Executive Orders can be issued and implemented quickly, legislation through Congress, or new regulations through government agencies, must go through formal procedures that can take considerable time between the proposal, approval, and implementation stages.
- Continue to review the ISSO Travel Advisory for up-to-date guidance and review international travel plans over the Winter Intersession. The new administration will be sworn in on January 20, 2025. New Executive Orders that may impact travel and visa processing could be implemented on or after that date. In addition, election transitions typically impact staffing levels at U.S. Embassies/Consulates abroad, which could impact visa processing times. If you are uncertain, make plans to return to the US before the change in administration takes effect on 1/20/2025 and assess the risk of departing the US if you do not have a valid visa to return.
Register to attend an information session on Monday, January 13, 2025 at 9:30am EST. The ISSO will hold a virtual workshop to review how a new federal administration could enact changes to policies, procedures and regulations that may impact our international student and scholar community. The session will feature Elizabeth Goss, CEO and founding attorney of Goss Associates, a local immigration law firm as well as Stephen Kerr, Associate General Counsel in the Office of General Counsel at Boston University. While it is still too soon to know if or when changes may be implemented, the session will include:
- review of relevant U.S. agencies involved in immigration practice
- overview of how changes are made at the federal level
- discussion as to what could transpire during a second Trump administration
- opportunity for questions
- reminder about university resources
Uncertainty is common after any election. Rest assured that we have experience with these transitions and we will provide updates to the community as we have more information to share. If any questions arise, please connect with our team or your ISSO advisor directly.
Welcome, New Students!
Riho Imada (from left) and Akari Noguchi, both students at the Center for English Language and Orientation Programs, and Andrew Burwash (CAS'18) at the International Student Reception, held September 4 at the Trustee Ballroom. Photo by Jackie Riccardi
