Skip Navigation

Updates to Recent Federal Immigration Actions

Our international community is very important to Johns Hopkins, and we remain committed to supporting all our students, faculty and staff. We share the serious concerns arising from recent changes in federal immigration policies and enforcement activities and understand the anxiety this instills in our community members and their families, here and abroad.

We are working to support international affiliates through the Office of International Services [OIS], academic advising, and health and wellbeing. Should you or someone you know in our community require more information or support, OIS is available through our website or by email at [email protected]. 

Federal Proclamation Restricting Entry of Foreign National from Certain Countries

On June 4, 2025, the President of the United States issued a Proclamation restricting entry to the US for certain foreign nationals. Two groups of countries are included in the Proclamation. The first group restricts entry of every nonimmigrant and immigrant from Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. In the second group of countries, the Proclamation restricts entry of those persons on B-1, B-2, F, M, J visas from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.  If you are a citizen of one of these countries, we urge you to carefully consider travel outside of the U.S. if you cannot afford an interruption in your studies or research. 

We understand the concern and uncertainty that may exist as a result of this proclamation and other recent executive actions and assure you that university leadership, legal counsel, and the OIS are working diligently to review these actions and accompanying guidance as it is issued by the government. Given that each individual’s circumstances are unique, if you have a specific immigration situation to discuss, please contact the OIS with your questions and we will continue to provide you and all our clients with immigration advising based on the latest available information. 

Media Reports of Pause in Visa Processing

News reports indicate that on May 27, 2025, the U.S. Department of State issued and put into effect an internal cable temporarily pausing the scheduling of new student and exchange visitor visa appointments (F and J visas) at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide as it develops expanded “social media screening and vetting.” Depending on the duration of the pause and any new application review requirements, we expect delays in processing of student and exchange visitor visa applications. 

We expect formal State Department guidance in the coming weeks, but it has not yet been issued. Based on information available in public reporting, we provide the following preliminary information and recommendations: 

  • Scheduling of new visa appointments for individuals with F and J student/exchange visa classifications is on hold temporarily; and, 
  • Existing visa appointments [already scheduled] may proceed, and new and current students with appointments already scheduled should be able to continue in the visa acquisition process [but note that visa applicants can be asked to provide supplemental information at any time]
  • Individuals in F and J status in the U.S. who need to renew a visa should see previous travel guidance and carefully consider travel outside of the U.S. if they cannot afford an interruption in their studies or research

State Department Plans Regarding Chinese Student Visas

On May 28, 2025, the State Department released a press statement indicating that it plans to revoke visas for Chinese students who are deemed to “have connections to the Chinese Communist Party” or who are “studying in critical fields.” The Department also stated that it “will also revise visa criteria to enhance scrutiny of all future visa applications from the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong.”  We are monitoring this issue carefully and will share updates as soon as information is available. New and current students with questions about this announcement or who need support should contact OIS. 

Immigration Actions Affecting Students on Sponsored Visas

Recent immigration actions are affecting international students at universities across the nation, including here in our community. This April, 37 Johns Hopkins graduate students (and recent graduates of JHU graduate programs) had their F-1 records terminated through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. As of April 28, 36 of those SEVIS records have been reactivated and we are assisting these students in resuming their studies, and the university is continuing to provide a range of support services to affected students.   

Guidance on Federal Immigration Enforcement

The University’s guidance on federal immigration enforcement is posted on our Public Safety website. It includes our longstanding policy of not providing information about a JHU affiliate’s immigration status unless required by law and not allowing access to JHU facilities absent a court order. 

Our most important guidance is to contact Johns Hopkins Public Safety if you should encounter immigration enforcement officers on campus. Public Safety will immediately coordinate with the Office of General Counsel and is best positioned to handle the situation for the safety and wellbeing of all involved. Additional information and FAQ about immigration enforcement can be found here. 

Reminder on the April 11 Notice from DHS

International affiliates should also be aware of this announcement from the Department of Homeland Security [DHS]. In response to an executive order, DHS announced in April that it is prioritizing enforcement of the legal requirement for non-U.S. citizens to register with the government under Section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Members of our community who may need to take action include: 

  • Canadian citizens, who are often not asked to register when entering the country and therefore may not realize they are out of compliance
  • Families with children or dependents who have turned 14 while in the U.S. and have not yet re-registered

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services [USCIS] website has more information about these requirements. Most individuals sponsored through Johns Hopkins for their nonimmigrant visa (F-1, J-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, and E-3, plus most dependents) who have an I-94 should already meet the federal registration requirement and likely do not need to take any further steps. 

Also note that the announcement from DHS directed that “all noncitizens 18 and older” must carry documentation of their proof of registration “at all times.” 

Additional information pertaining to maintenance of status including reporting address updates may be found on the OIS website here: 

If you have further questions or concerns about how these federal announcements may apply to you or your family members, you should seek guidance from a qualified immigration attorney. 

Immigration Policy Information &
Frequently Asked Questions