Rutgers Global Alerts

The information included here is intended to provide guidance and resources to all members of the Rutgers community regarding issues related to travel advisories, immigration policies, and other regulatory updates that impact international students and scholars, as well as domestic students and faculty traveling abroad.

Increased Scrutiny of Social Media by Immigration Agencies, 4/17/25 +

In response to multiple January Executive Orders, immigration agencies will begin performing enhanced screenings of social media accounts for antisemitic activity. This is expected to impact international students, faculty, scholars, and staff applying for immigration benefits within the U.S., applying for visas outside of the U.S., and applying for admission to the U.S.   

  • Immigration Benefits – On April 9, 2025, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it 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.” According to USCIS, this will immediately affect those applying for lawful permanent resident status, international students, and foreign nationals affiliated with educational institutions “linked to antisemitic activity”.   

  • Visa Applications - Since 2019, the U.S. Department of State has required visa applicants to disclose information on their social media accounts. According to a recent news report, visa applicants may face additional scrutiny of their social media content.   

  • Admission to United States - U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) has the authority to search mobile phones, computers, cameras, and other electronic devices when travelers are entering the U.S.  More information and guidance are available through the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).  

Rutgers Global also encourages all international students, faculty, scholars, and staff to keep their professional information (such as job title, dates of employment, employers, education, etc.) accurate and current.  Incorrect or outdated professional information on social media can be used as a basis for questioning and denial of immigration benefits, visas, and admission to the U.S.        

Note to our International Community, 4/7/25 +

As President Holloway shared in his message of 4/6/2025, we want to reaffirm that our international students, scholars, and faculty are deeply valued members of the Rutgers community. Rutgers is committed to supporting and standing with you. 

We are aware of recent incidents across the country that are causing concern -- particularly among our international students, scholars, faculty, and staff. Specifically, some international students at institutions nationwide, including at Rutgers, have experienced the unexpected termination of their lawful status in the U.S. We recognize how unsettling this is and want to ensure you are aware of the guidance and resources available. 

Rutgers Global – International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is closely monitoring this evolving situation, and we remain committed to providing accurate information, advocacy, and support as federal policies and practices continue to shift. 

When Rutgers Global – ISSS becomes aware that a student’s lawful status in the U.S. has been terminated, we reach out directly to the student to ensure they are informed and supported. Other support resources across the university are also available to you, including counseling services, academic advising, and legal guidance. 

We encourage all international students, scholars, and faculty on Rutgers-sponsored visas to stay in close contact with their campus international office. Our teams are here to support you, answer your questions, and connect you with additional resources. 

Please review the guidance and resources available and contact your campus international office with any questions or concerns. For the most up-to-date information and guidance related to immigration policy updates, please visit this webpage, Rutgers Global Alerts. Review the information available on the Rutgers website on Navigating New Federal Government Actions and Requirements for additional information including guidance on how to respond to federal law enforcement encounters, and more.  

Once again, please know that we are here to support you. Please be in touch with us immediately with any questions or concerns you may have. 

Sincerely, 

Eric Garfunkel 
Vice President for Global Affairs 

Mohini Mukherjee 
Executive Director, International Student Services 

Important Resources for our International Students, 4/7/25 +

If you are an impacted student: 

  • Contact Rutgers Global – ISSS or your campus international office immediately if you suspect your immigration record has been terminated or you receive unusual communication about your visa status. 

  • In the case of detention or urgent immigration enforcement action, call the 24/7 RU Rapid Response Hotline: 973-803-8008. 

  • Contact RICAP (Rutgers Immigrant Community Assistance Project) at RICAP-info@law.rutgers.edu or 856-225-6568 for legal guidance. 

  • Review your immigration status, understand the implications of any change, and discuss options. 

  • Respond promptly if contacted by our office to schedule a meeting. 

  • For a student who faces an encounter with ICE (immigration enforcement) or who is detained due to immigration reasons, they (or their family/friend/witness) should call the 24/7 RU Rapid Response Emergency Hotline number, which is 973-803-8008. In case of a detention, it is important to call ASAP.

If you are a faculty member, administrator, or staff: 

  • Refer international students to the appropriate Rutgers Global or campus international office. 

  • Do not provide legal advice regarding immigration issues. Please refer students to ISSS or RICAP. 

  • Maintain confidentiality and treat all concerns with discretion and care. 

  • Report emerging patterns or student concerns to Rutgers Global so we can ensure a coordinated and informed response. 

  • Stay Updated – Refer to official memos and messages from Rutgers Global.  

We encourage all members of the international community to stay informed by regularly visiting the Rutgers Global Alerts page and reviewing Rutgers’ Federal Tracking and Guidance website, which contains important information, including how to respond to federal law enforcement and links to legal and wellness support. 

Contacts and Resources

New Brunswick 

Rutgers Health 

Newark 

Camden 

Select External Resources:

Important Update on Potential Travel Restrictions, 3/26/25 +

In the last few weeks, there have been several news reports about possible country-specific travel restrictions. These restrictions, if implemented, could impact the ability of certain foreign national students, scholars, and faculty to obtain U.S. visas or re-enter the country after international travel.

While a January 20, 2025, presidential executive order stated federal agencies were required to submit a report to the White House with recommendations on travel restrictions by March 21, 2025, as of today there has been no official U.S. government communication regarding when travel restrictions may take effect, what countries might be included, or which visa types might be affected.

As we continue to monitor government actions that may affect you, we will provide information and guidance to support our students, scholars, and faculty. Here are some important updates and resources regarding international travel. 

Travel and Immigration Policies

•    If any travel restrictions or immigration policy changes are announced, Rutgers Global will provide timely guidance to all affected students, faculty, scholars, and staff.
•    If you have upcoming travel plans, please be aware that U.S. travel policies can change without notice. Carefully consider your travel decisions, particularly if you may be subject to future restrictions.
•    If you are a Rutgers student or scholar abroad and encounter difficulties with U.S. entry or re-entry, contact Rutgers Global and your school/department immediately. While we will do our best to support you, please note that Rutgers does not have the authority to override government policies or influence U.S. entry decisions.

Members of the Rutgers community from countries that may be impacted by the new policies who have permanent residency in the U.S. (green cards) may also wish to reconsider international travel until the new immigration and travel policies have been clarified.

Stay Informed and Seek Guidance

•    Reach out with any concerns at immigration@global.rutgers.edu
•    Consult with Rutgers Global staff before making international travel plans

We understand that this uncertainty can be challenging, and we are here to support you. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.

Federal Policy Impact on the Rutgers International Community, 2/6/25 +

Rutgers is steadfast in our commitment to our mission and values, ensuring our actions reflect the university’s dedication to excellence. Our international students and scholars are at the heart of this mission, and in times of challenge and uncertainty, the university remains dedicated to fostering a secure and supportive academic environment for all our international students, scholars, faculty, and staff. Rest assured that we will navigate these uncertainties together, communicate openly, and remain accessible to address your concerns.

Immigration related updates for international students and scholars

  • Current EO 14161 calls on immigration agencies to enhance screening and vetting, evaluate visa programs, and issue a report (March 21, 2025) identifying countries that warrant a “partial or full suspension” of their citizens’ admission to the United States.
    • Enhanced vetting could result in delays and additional requirements for student and scholar visa applicants.
    • Future travel bans may occur, limiting admission to the United States or increased visa denials. While no specific countries have been named at this time, the rules regarding travel and re-entry could change quickly. Travelers should consider that re-entry policy and requirements to the United States may change while they are overseas.
    • Students or scholars facing unexpected obstacles to U.S. entry or re-entry should contact Rutgers Global and their schools/departments.
  • According to EO 14163, entry into the United States of refugees under the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) has been suspended as of January 27, 2025.
  • As of February 5, there have been no changes to Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) programs, nor to the J-1 or H-1B visa categories.
  • Undocumented students, including those under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, should continue to work with the relevant Student Affairs offices on their campus and the Office of the Dean of Students at Rutgers University-New Brunswick.
  • Federal agencies have been instructed to strengthen enforcement actions against antisemitism, including monitoring and reporting on international students and scholars for potential violations of admissibility requirements under federal immigration law. Rutgers University remains committed to academic freedom and will not monitor or report on the academic activities of its community members unless compelled to do so by law.
  • In alignment with President Holloway’s message of January 25, 2025, we remind our community to contact the Rutgers University Police Department (RUPD) at 732-932-7211 in the event of any federal immigration enforcement activity on campus. 

Training and Research

If you are involved in U.S. government-funded international research or training programs that may be at risk of being disrupted by federal actions, we encourage you to stay in contact with the Rutgers Office for Research and seek guidance before taking any steps. Any funding and stop-work related questions should be directed to federal-tracking@rutgers.edu

Additional Community Resources

Community members seeking support or guidance, including international students, scholars, and Rutgers students and faculty studying or working abroad, can refer to the resources listed below for information on what to expect in the coming weeks and months.

For International and Study Abroad Students

Select External Resources

DHS Announces Special Student Relief for Several Countries (including Lebanon, Ethiopia, Haiti, and Yemen), 10/29/24 +

Special Student Relief (SSR) is the suspension of certain regulatory requirements by the secretary of The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for F‑1 and J-1 students from parts of the world that are experiencing emergent circumstances.  DHS may suspend or alter the following regulatory requirements for F-1 students: duration of status, full course of study and off-campus employment eligibility.  For J-1 students, the U.S. Department of State can temporarily modify on- and off-campus employment employment requirements and/or full course of study requirements.

DHS has announced the designation and/or extension of SSR for several different countries (listed below).  According to the SSR notices, F-1 students may be able to apply for employment authorization based on economic need. Please review the notices carefully to understand if and how they may apply to you.

For more information about SSR and to apply for employment authorization based on this notice, please review the information on the ISSS Economic Hardship Employment webpage and contact an International Student Adviser.

Please note: This special student relief is NOT automatic. You must first speak with an ISSS Adviser BEFORE you are able to receive any special student relief benefits. Do not drop course registration below full time until you have been approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for this special work authorization

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