Massachusetts is home to over 66,000 international students, a significant portion of whom are facing new challenges in light of recent changes in federal immigration policy under President Trump’s administration. The revocation of student visas has affected several local universities, including Tufts University, Harvard University, MIT, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, highlighting the urgency for colleges to prepare to assist international students through this uncertain time.
While the numbers of affected students remain relatively small, with around 300 students nationwide having their visas revoked, the revocations have raised alarms. Some students have reportedly been targeted due to their involvement in protest activities, while others appear to have had their visas flagged because of criminal background checks, with offenses ranging from speeding to domestic violence.
The revocations are part of a broader federal immigration crackdown that has also affected students studying in Massachusetts. As the landscape of federal immigration enforcement rapidly changes, colleges have an essential role in supporting international students without overpromising protections. Schools must act quickly to ensure that students are informed, supported, and have access to necessary resources.
Federal authorities, including the State Department, are responsible for notifying students of visa revocations, but inconsistent notifications have led to uncertainty on campuses. Colleges have access to the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) database, which tracks international students’ statuses, and should be checking it regularly to identify visa issues. By notifying students promptly, colleges can help students understand their options and respond effectively.
In addition to communication, colleges can provide students with access to immigration lawyers and legal resources. UMass Amherst, for example, is working with local immigration attorneys to ensure students have easy access to legal counsel. Harvard University offers a pro bono legal clinic for students in need. Even schools without similar resources can provide lists of immigration attorneys and community organizations that support immigrant rights.
Beyond legal support, mental health care is also crucial. Students facing anxiety and uncertainty due to the threat of deportation need assistance managing stress. For those forced to leave the country abruptly, schools like UMass Amherst are developing remote learning plans and offering emergency financial grants. Tufts University has also consulted with international students studying abroad to offer guidance, recognizing that travel could expose students to detention at the border.
In response to the potential for federal immigration agents to come to campus, universities must establish protocols for handling such situations. These protocols should designate campus officials responsible for interacting with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and ensure staff understand when to refer ICE officers to those officials. Campuses must also understand their legal rights and responsibilities when responding to requests for student information from the government, with guidance from resources such as Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s office and the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration.
In the short term, international students are looking to their schools for support, as evidenced by a recent example shared by Farshid Hajir, senior vice provost at UMass Amherst. Hajir recounted speaking to a student who had to balance studying for an exam with booking a flight home and arranging for someone to store their belongings, all while facing the pressure of leaving the country immediately. “It’s a lot for a student to manage both academics and sudden disruption,” Hajir said.
University officials are also concerned about the long-term impact of these visa revocations. With increased uncertainty surrounding U.S. immigration policies, many international students may reconsider studying in the U.S., potentially leading some universities to expand their international campuses outside of the U.S. to accommodate students who wish to avoid visa issues. While this may provide an alternative for some students, it would be a loss for U.S. institutions, as international students contribute significantly to the local economy and bring valuable skills and perspectives.
Ultimately, while universities must continue to support their international students, the real solution lies in a shift in federal policy. The Trump administration’s immigration actions risk driving away foreign students, who play a critical role in enriching U.S. universities and contributing to the economy. It is imperative that federal officials reconsider these policies to ensure that students from abroad conti
