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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 directly with affected students as noted below. 

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. 

The university is continuing to provide a range of support services to affected students through the Office of International Services, 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]. 

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 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. 

Please 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