In this week’s update, we are including current actions being taken by various groups in the higher education sector. U.S. for Success, NAFSA, the Presidents’ Alliance for International Education, ACE, corporations, and other organizations are all actively engaged in legal challenges, advocacy, and media outreach. It is an all hands on deck approach, working to encourage members of Congress to intervene and protect our students. We all believe that what is happening is not in the best interest of the US.
U.S. for Success
Press Release April 8, 2025 - U.S. for Success Coalition: Actions Targeting International Students Undermine U.S. Economic Strength and Global Competitiveness
Washington, D.C. – April 8, 2025– In response to the Trump administration’s recent visa and immigration policy actions, the U.S. for Success Coalition is calling on Congress to convey to the Trump administration that welcoming international students and scholars to study and succeed here should be a national priority. Country-specific restrictions on visa issuance, increased scrutiny of an already rigorous student visa application process, and sudden revocation of hundreds of student visas without transparency and due process threaten the many contributions international students and scholars make to U.S. students and businesses.
“International students are vital to America’s national interests, enhancing learning and collaboration, contributing tremendously to our economy, and strengthening America’s global competitiveness,” said Tom Dretler, CEO of Shorelight. “Countries that double down on their commitment to attracting, educating, and retaining global talent will reap the benefits of those efforts for decades to come. We should be growing, not cutting off, our talent pipeline of the best and brightest students from across the world.”
Read more on the U.S. for Success Coalition website >
U.S. for Success Advocacy Opportunity: Tell Congress: International Students are Essential to America’s Safety, Economy, and Global Strength
In addition to the press release, the U.S. for Success Coalition and NAFSA are starting an advocacy campaign. The goal is to encourage our members to write, call, and meet with their members of Congress and ask them to intervene on behalf of students. As I shared above, what is happening is not in the best interest of the US and most importantly, our students.
Urging Congress to Act
The U.S. for Success Coalition calls on Congress to press the administration to avoid immigration actions and travel restrictions that jeopardize America’s global strength in attracting the world’s best and brightest to U.S. colleges and universities. New survey results show that interest in U.S. postgraduate education has plunged 40 percent since January 2025 while there is rising interest in Germany, France, and China as a study destination.
Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration
Eighty-Six Institutions and Associations Lead the Presidents’ Alliance’s Filing of Amicus Brief Challenging Visa Revocations and Detentions
Following the multiple cases being filed by students challenging their visa revocations, the Presidents’ Alliance along with dozens of their members have filed an amicus brief in support of students. We knew this was coming and are pleased to see so many of their members support their effort. We also recognize that concerns about putting one’s name to any legal challenge right now is concerning and appreciate the courage of the members.
Miriam Feldblum, President and CEO of the Presidents’ Alliance stated: “Recent actions have upended individual lives, undermined the safety of our institutions, and jeopardized academic freedom in and beyond the classroom. The uncertainty generated by visa revocations and terminations not only has immediate impacts but also threatens our long term ability to recruit, retain, and employ talented individuals from across the globe. In submitting this brief, higher education leaders are coming together to amplify the contributions of noncitizen students and scholars, whose ideas and breakthroughs fuel our economy and uphold the collaborative spirit that defines American education.”
Read more on the Presidents’ Alliance website >
American Council on Education
ACE, Higher Ed Associations Demand Answers as Student Visa Revocations Spread Nationwide
ACE and 15 other higher education associations are requesting a briefing from the departments of State and Homeland Security to better understand the reasoning and processes the agencies are using.
“We seek clarity amidst reports that student visas are being revoked and records are being terminated in the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) without additional information being shared with the institutions those students attend,” wrote ACE President Ted Mitchell on behalf of the groups. Affected students are being left in legal limbo with institutions scrambling to respond.
“We support the need for the federal government to safeguard national security, including vetting visas and overseeing the process for deciding who should be allowed to enter and remain in the country and under what terms,” the letter continued. “Recent actions have contributed to uncertainty and impedes the ability of our institutions to best advise international students and scholars. It is important institutions are in a position to reassure international students so they can continue to make exceptional contributions to their campuses, communities, and the nation.”
