About > International Programs Posts > Immigration Advisory > April 16, 2025 Special Immigration Advisory

April 16, 2025 Special 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. SEVIS Record and/or Visa Revocation Notifications
  2. International travel for WSU students and employees who are not U.S. citizens
  3. DHS screening social media activity for antisemitic content
  4. Participating in Protests or Demonstrations

SEVIS Record and/or Visa Revocation Notifications

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) checks the student visa database daily to see if WSU has had any individuals whose status and/or visa have been revoked. If a record and/or visa have been found to be revoked, ISSS will get in touch with you immediately. If you receive a government notification by mail or email about your status and/or visa, please contact ISSS immediately at ip.intlservices@wsu.edu. USCIS and/or ICE will not call you about your status. Be mindful of scams and get in touch with ISSS if you have any questions.

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 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:

DHS screening social media activity for antisemitic content

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has implemented a policy to screen social media activity for antisemitic content. Engaging in or supporting such content online, such as posting pictures of yourself at a political rally, may lead to denial of immigration benefits or affect your visa status. Please be aware that DHS is screening your social media content and exercise caution in all social media posting.  For more information, refer to the official USCIS announcement: uscis.gov. 

In addition, we are aware that based on recent news reports about some cancellations of status for international students, many of you have concerns about your status.  Please know that we are monitoring this situation daily and will reach out to you about any changes we see that could affect you.

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.

Questions?

Consult with Risk Management: 
compliance.risk@wsu.edu
(509) 335-6893 

Or contact International Student and Scholar Services:
ip.intlservices@wsu.edu
(509) 335-4508.

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