International Student and Scholar Alerts

Immigration Policies

We remain committed to keeping you informed about developments that may affect you. This page is dedicated to providing resources and guidance as they become available. Please remember to check your Mines email regularly for communications from our office.

DHS TO BEGIN SCREENING SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVITY FOR ANTISEMITISM  (April 9, 2025)

Effective immediately, USCIS will consider social media content that indicates an alien endorsing, espousing, promoting, or supporting antisemitic terrorism, antisemitic terrorist organizations, or other antisemitic activity as a negative factor in any USCIS discretionary analysis when adjudicating immigration benefit requests. 

MAIN POINTS: 

Social media content will be considered when applying for immigration benefits.

Note: All travelers to the United States are subject to Customs and Border inspection, to include electronic devices. See CBP Search Authority information page.

 

USCIS ISSUES INTERIM FINAL RULE FOR IMMIGRATION REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS (March 12, 2025)

Effective April 11, 2025, USCIS  will require nonimmigrants who turn 14 while in the U.S. to “re-register” with USCIS even if previously registered when entering the U.S.

The new registration form, Form G-325R Biographic Information (Registration), is required along with fingerprinting provisions for those subject.

MAIN POINTS:

F2 and J2 dependents who entered the U.S. before their 14th birthday and subsequently turn 14 while in the U.S. will need to re-register within 30 days of their 14th birthday.

Most F1 and J1 Visa holders over 14 years old who were issued an I-94 at a Port of Entry are already registered. It is advised that you carry a copy of your I-94 with you at all times. If you need to print your I-94 visit here.

To learn more details about this requirement and whether you need to register, visit the USCIS Alien Registration Requirement website.

USCIS POLICY UPDATE ON NOTICE TO APPEAR AFTER ADVERSE ADJUDICATIONS (Feb. 28, 2025)

USCIS announced an update to its Notice to Appear “NTA” Policy in a Policy Memorandum to address national security, public safety, and overall integrity of the immigration system. A NTA is a notice to appear before an immigration judge for removal proceedings. The following circumstances could result in a NTA being issued by USCIS:
  • NTA Required by Statute or Regulation
  • National Security Cases
  • Criminal Cases
  • Fraud and Misrepresentation
  • Temporary Protected Status
  • Aliens Not Lawfully Present in the United States or Subject to Other Grounds of Removability
  • Special Circumstances
    MAIN POINTS:
    If you applied for a benefit with USCIS and were denied you could receive a NTA if you have no other grounds to remain in the U.S.
    Make sure you are checking your mail and email regularly and that your address is current with USCIS and ISSS. If you receive any mail from USCIS, please let ISSS or your legal counsel know promptly.
    Meet with ISSS when applying for a benefit of your student visa to learn if this policy may impact you.

    VISA INTERVIEW WAIVER PROCESS AND ELIGIBILITY UPDATED RESTRICTIONS (Feb. 18, 2025)

    The Department of State updated the eligibility criteria for applicants for waivers of nonimmigrant visa interviews. Applicants who previously held a visa in the same category that expired less than 12 month prior to the renewal application (previously 48 months) may be eligible for a waiver of the nonimmigrant visa interview.

    MAIN POINTS:

    There are currently long wait times for some visa interviews. It is important to verify if your visa renewal will require you to attend a visa interview. We advise that you review your visa documents and plan any travel accordingly.

    Note: Each Consulate has discretion to apply the interview waiver authority. Check with the Consulate where you intend to renew for their specific visa waiver information.

     

    EXCHANGE VISITOR SKILLS LIST UPDATES – J1 Visa Holders Only (Dec. 9, 2024)

    The Department of State published an update to the Exchange Visitor Skills List, effective December 9, 2024, (“2024 Skills List”) in the Federal Register. It plans to review the list every three years.

    The modernized Skills List will significantly streamline the visa process for many exchange visitors, making it possible for those who qualify for work visas to continue contributing their talents to U.S. businesses and U.S. innovation.

    MAIN POINTS:

    · You are subject to the two-year home country physical presence requirement based on the Skills List if:

    o you were admitted to the United States in J status or obtained J status on or after December 9, 2024; and

    o your country of legal permanent residence is on the 2024 Skills List; and

    o your field of specialized knowledge or skills is listed for your country of legal permanent residence.

     

    · You are not subject to the two-year home country physical presence requirement based on the Skills List if

    o you were admitted to the United States in J status or obtained J status before December 9, 2024; and

    o your country of legal permanent residence is no longer on the 2024 Skills List.

     

    Pending Waiver Applications, Form DS-3035: For applications submitted by an applicant whose country of legal permanent residence was on a prior Skills List but is not on the 2024 Skills List, the State Department will determine whether the two-year home country physical presence requirement still applies to such applicant for another reason. If the requirement does not apply, the applicant will receive notification of the Department’s determination.

    ISSS will share updates as they are made available. Please note that the government agencies may take additional time to provide further guidance and fully implement the new Skills List.

     

    POSSIBLE UPCOMING FEDERAL CHANGES TO IMMIGRATION POLICIES (Dec. 4, 2024)

    Here is a short list of resources available:

      • Community resources, including local cultural centers, DREAMER resources, legal resources, and mental health resources can be found here: https://mep.mines.edu/resources/community/
      • ISSS is available for immigration advising for incoming, current, and graduated F1 and J1 students.
      • There may be questions about the privacy protections that are in place for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) contributors without Social Security numbers. The 2025-26 FAFSA is now officially open and although the Higher Education Act prohibits the use of data for any purpose other than determining and awarding federal financial assistance, there is no guarantee at this time that data submitted to the US Department of Education as part of the FAFSA process will continue to be protected. Every individual should have as much information as possible before submitting identifying information to the federal government. Please contact the Financial Aid office to discuss FAFSA applications and alternate funding options available.
      • The Counseling Center welcomes students to receive care and support in an affirming space. Counseling visits are a secure, nonjudgmental experience where students can freely express their feelings without fear.
      • Student Outreach and Support is also available for any student facing personal and academic challenges.
      • Undocumented students can find additional information here: https://mepmines.edu/undocumented-students/