About > International Programs Posts > Immigration Advisory > April 25, 2025 Immigration Advisory

April 25, 2025 Immigration Advisory

Please read this information as a guide to help you with your studies and maintain a valid immigration status. The information below may not apply to international students at all campuses.

Contents

  1. Deadline for cancellation of enrollment – TODAY
  2. Participating in Protests or Demonstrations
  3. Summer health insurance – Pullman only
  4. International travel for WSU students and employees who are not U.S. citizens
  5. Check for myWSU holds NOW!

Deadline for cancellation of enrollment – TODAY

International students and scholars may have concerns about participating in demonstrations while in the US. The First Amendment of the US Constitution protects speech, which includes symbolic speech and protest, as long as it is conducted peacefully. The US constitution protects non-citizens, but there are some considerations to immigration, particularly if participating in a protest.

Please refer to our earlier notice of dealing with Federal law enforcement.

International students should be aware that arrests, criminal charges and convictions may impact immigration status. If you choose to participate in a protest, remain peaceful, and in the event a protest becomes threatening, violent, or disruptive, you should leave the area to maintain your own safety. Any criminal activity can have long-term consequences and restrict international students during their time here or future attempts to enter and/or stay in the US.

Washington State University supports its students and their rights to free expression. Complying with WSU codes of conduct and maintaining studies and program activities will ensure your immigration status is not at risk. Please contact International Student and Scholar Services if you have any questions.

Participating in Protests or Demonstrations

International students and scholars may have concerns about participating in demonstrations while in the US. The First Amendment of the US Constitution protects speech, which includes symbolic speech and protest, as long as it is conducted peacefully. The US constitution protects non-citizens, but there are some considerations to immigration, particularly if participating in a protest. 

Please refer to our earlier notice of dealing with Federal law enforcement. 

International students should be aware that arrests, criminal charges and convictions may impact immigration status. If you choose to participate in a protest, remain peaceful, and in the event a protest becomes threatening, violent, or disruptive, you should leave the area to maintain your own safety. Any criminal activity can have long-term consequences and restrict international students during their time here or future attempts to enter and/or stay in the US. 

Washington State University supports its students and their rights to free expression. Complying with WSU codes of conduct and maintaining studies and program activities will ensure your immigration status is not at risk.  

Please contact International Student and Scholar Services if you have any questions.

Summer health insurance – Pullman only

The Health Fee is not automatically assessed if: 

  • During the fall/spring, a student is taking less than 7 credits, or 
  • During the summer, a student is not enrolled.

Therefore, for students to access Cougar Health Services and CAPS over summer, including Fulbright students, ABD and not on an assistantship (likely enrolled in 2 credits), or if they are not taking classes during the summer, students would need to opt-in for the Health Fee to be seen at CHS/CAPS. Students should still be covered under insurance, though.

International travel for WSU students and employees who are not U.S. citizens

ISSS is closely monitoring for any travel changes, including a possible travel ban. We all are reading reports of international students who are being detained at the border upon entry or re-entry to the United States.  We recognize these are very difficult times for members of our international community and offer the following guidance: 

  • Carefully consider not traveling internationally at this time if your visa status has you concerned.  When considering whether to travel, also review your social media history, which could be scrutinized by border control personnel. Immigration enforcement is also reviewing minor legal violations, including traffic offenses. 
  • If your education or work responsibilities at WSU require travel, thoroughly assess the risk in advance of traveling and determine if there are alternatives.  If you are a student sponsored on a visa by WSU, reach out to ip.intlservices@wsu.edu. 
  • All non-U.S. citizens must carry original immigration documents when traveling –both within the U.S. and internationally. This requirement is now actively enforced. Acceptable documents include:
    • Green Card (I-551) 
    • Employment Authorization Document (EAD 
    • I-94 Arrival/Departure record 
    • Travel permits 
  • If you decide to travel and have immigration concerns, identify an immigration attorney in advance and carry their contact information.  Resources for finding an immigration attorney (navigate to legal support tab) can be found here:
  • If your I-20 has a travel signature from anyone from our office other than the individuals on our ISSS team, please request a new travel endorsement before your trip. IP Staff Directory

Check for myWSU holds NOW

It is time to begin thinking about those fall 2025 classes! Priority registration for fall 2025 began on April 7. The first thing to do is to make sure that you are able to enroll. So, make sure you do not have any holds that will keep you from registering. 

Log in to your MyWSU account. In your Student Services home page, the holds are listed in the top right-hand side of the page. Here is more information on how to prevent registration delays: Prevent Registration Delays. Important Steps to Take Now!

If you have any questions about the above announcement, please contact International Student and Scholar Services.