Download Printable Worksheets Here
Feedback or a recommendation for an addition to this kit? Email [email protected]
Duke advised H-1B visa holders to avoid international travel “until further notice” in a Sunday email to international students. The announcement follows a Friday presidential proclamation that restricts entry into the United States for new H-1B visa applicants who have not paid a $100,000 visa fee.
This executive order restricts entry into the US for new H-1B visa applicants.
Who is affected? H-1B visa holders and applicants. Could impact family members of H-1B who hold H-4 visas.
When does this go into effect? September 20
What changed? H-1B petitions now require a $100,000 payment
It is unclear whether this applies to people with valid H-1B visas returning to the US or only new applicants. CAIR-WA believes the proclamation will be challenged in court.
CAIR-WA recommends any Muslim community members who hold H-1B visas and/or their family to refrain from returning to the US until more information is known. It is possible that persons attempting to enter the US may be denied entry at the border or put into detention.
Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US will start "aggressively" revoking visas of Chinese students, especially those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields. He said the State Department will also revise visa criteria of all future visa applications from China and Hong Kong.
US says it will start revoking visas for Chinese students
Duke stated that it is monitoring updates from the State Department on scheduling new visa interviews for international student applicants. It is also “tracking the potential expansion of social media screening requirements for all international students applying to study in the United States.”
For students who have an interview scheduled: Duke stated these interviews can proceed as expected. Students should check with their consulate beforehand to ensure no changes have been made to their appointment.
For students with an I-20 but no appointment: Students should follow the instructions on the nearest consulate's website to schedule an appointment as soon as one becomes available. Duke stated that students will not be able to schedule a visa appointment until new vetting procedures are created.
For students awaiting an I-20: Duke Visa Services is currently issuing I-20 forms for incoming international students. Check your Duke email for updates on revised procedures and guidance.
Update on Student Visa Processing | Duke Visa Services
Newly released court documents used as evidence in a court filing in Arizona outline a new policy stating that immigration officials have the ‘inherent authority’ to terminate students’ SEVIS status ‘as needed.’ There are two new justifications for SEVIS terminations: 1) ‘evidence of failure to comply’ with nonimmigrant visa terms and 2) a visa revocation that can be issued without evidence of a violation by the State Department and that is not subject to court challenges. A U.S. attorney said that the policy is yet to be finalized.
Immigration attorney Charles Kuck said that if this policy is implemented, any student who’s arrested for any reason is probably going to have their status terminated going forward. This is ICE’s way to get around court rulings.
New ICE Policy Puts International Students at Greater Risk
An email to the Duke international community on 5/1 stated that all graduate students and alumni on OPT whose visas were revoked are now in active status.
The Trump administration has restored the visa registrations of thousands of international students who had minor or dismissed legal infractions. The Justice Department announced this reversal in federal court Friday after many lawsuits and restraining orders issued by judges across the country. The most recent wave of visa terminations caused over 100 lawsuits in at least 23 states.
According to the DOJ, ICE is working on a new policy to provide a framework for SEVIS record termination. Until this is issued, “ICE will not modify the record solely based on the NCIC finding that resulted in the recent SEVIS record termination.”
Trump administration reverses abrupt terminations of foreign students’ US visa registrations
Price joins leaders from colleges, universities, and scholarly societies across the country. The letter expresses concern about the growing government overreach and political interference in higher education. While the signatories are open to thoughtful reforms and reasonable oversight, they emphasize the need to protect academic freedom, and the ability of institutions to make decisions about admissions, curriculum, and research without undue external influence. The letter highlights the vital role that higher education plays in creating opportunity, driving innovation, and supporting democratic values, calling for a collaborative approach to reform that will benefit students and society as a whole.
A judge in Georgia recently issued a temporary restraining order against DHS on behalf of 133 international students whose visas were revoked. They are expecting a preliminary injunction this week for longer-term relief. This is not a class-action lawsuit, so the ruling only applies to those in the suit.
Temporary Restraining Order Granted In Student Visa Revocation Case
The legal team is actively looking for students whose visas were revoked to join the lawsuit. If interested, please email the legal team at [email protected] for questions and representation. Folks can also reach out to Tom Fulghum at [email protected] for Visa concerns.
https://visaservices.duke.edu/news/updated-guidance-international-travel/
Duke recently advised international students to avoid international travel unless essential. If international travel is unavoidable, students should consult with their **Duke Visa Services liaison.** International students who are citizens of one of the countries under Trump’s drafted travel ban or who need to obtain a new visa to return to the U.S should consult an immigration attorney. Additional Duke resources for immigrant students can be found **here.** Duke encouraged the international community to submit any questions to **this anonymous form.** Finally, Duke stated that undergraduate students living on campus will receive information regarding on-campus summer housing options.
https://visaservices.duke.edu/news/guidance-regarding-use-social-media/
USCIS has issued new guidance stating that it will now consider social media content showing support for antisemitic terrorism or related activities as a negative factor when evaluating immigration benefit applications. This policy applies immediately and may impact applications for work authorizations (e.g., OPT, H-1B), visas, and other benefits. International community members are advised to be cautious about their online presence, as it can affect their immigration status. Duke Visa Services encourages individuals with questions to reach out for support and will continue to share updates on immigration policies.
As of 4/12/2025, there have been 7 Duke affiliates who have had their visa revoked, including Masters’ and PhD students across various departments. There is no clear single motive behind whose visas are being targeted on a national level.
Check here for recent visa revocations across the U.S.
https://students.duke.edu/wellness/dukereach/student-emergency-funding/
This is meant to help cover “financial hardship resulting from an emergency, accident, or other unexpected critical incident or circumstance.”
See here for the emergency funding application.
<aside> 🗣
ICE Watch: Siembra NC hotline (877)-395-3094
Non-Urgent Legal Intake: