Immigration-Related Actions Under the Second Trump Administration

This page highlights executive orders, policy, legislative and regulatory changes enacted by the second Trump administration that alter and affect visa or immigration processing for our international student and scholar community. The News sections is a chronological listing of important information or go to related links in the sidebar under Additional Resources. As always, we encourage members of our community to connect with a ISSO team member with any questions.

News

USCIS Updates Alien Registration Instructions

February 26th, 2025

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it is reinforcing the legal requirement for non-U.S. citizens to register with the U.S. government under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. 1302) in response to the recent Protecting the American People Against Invasion executive order issued... More

DOS Reduces Eligibility for Appointment Waivers for Visa Renewals

February 20th, 2025

The US Department of State has narrowed eligibility for a waiver of the visa interview requirement. A recent DOS announcement reinstates the statutory 12-month post-expiration period for visa renewal applicants. This means that students and scholars travelling to renew their nonimmigrant visa will be required to schedule and attend an... More

Back to Basics Reminders for Students

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... More

Trump 2.0 after Inauguration Day

January 21st, 2025

Many different offices at BU are reviewing the numerous executive orders that President Trump signed yesterday, January 20th, on his first day in office. There were a number of immigration-related orders directing federal agencies to shift resources to the US southern border that changed procedures for asylum seekers and broadly... More

Information Session about How Federal Changes Are Enacted in Advance of a New Administration

January 13th, 2025

ISSO hosted a virtual workshop to review how a new federal administration could enact changes to policies, procedures and regulations that may impact our international community. The session featured Elizabeth Goss, CEO and founding attorney of Goss Associates, a local immigration law firm as well as Stephen Kerr, Associate General... More

Immigration and Travel Considerations Before a New Federal Administration

November 18th, 2024

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... More

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