Navigating Federal Actions Affecting International Student, Scholar, and Employee Visa Holders

The Western community cares deeply about the well-being and success of our international students, scholars, faculty, and staff, especially as they navigate the recent federal changes to the immigration landscape.  Reports in the media of federal agencies detaining and deporting visa holders, revoking visas, and terminating the legal status of international students have been distressing. Thankfully, to Western’s knowledge, no WWU international students, scholars, faculty, or staff have had their visas revoked or legal status terminated by the federal government during the recent spate of such activity. 

We recognize that immigration issues can be deeply personal and, at times, overwhelming, and we encourage international students to make use of Western’s Counseling and Wellness Center and employees the Washington State Employee Assistance Program (EAP). While the Global Engagement Office (GEO) has been communicating directly with international students and scholars and Human Resources with H-1B employees over the course of the past few months, we have prepared the following Frequently Asked Questions resource. 

How do I learn if the US government revoked my visa or terminated my status?

Reports indicate that the federal government is informing visa holders of visa revocations or status terminations by sending a message to the email address the international student, scholar, or employee used when originally applying for their visa. Therefore, it is important that you check the email address you used when you applied for your visa. Visa status can also be checked at the CEAC website. 

GEO’s International Student and Scholar Services checks the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database daily to learn if any international students or scholars have had their SEVIS record terminated. Students and scholars do not have access to the SEVIS portal. GEO will notify individuals as soon as possible if there is any posted change to their record status.

What can I do if my visa is revoked or my status terminated? 

We strongly encourage you to consult an immigration attorney immediately. The following organizations may be able to help you find legal counsel:

The Attorney General’s Office also has information about locating legitimate services on immigration matters on its website.  

Can I use Western’s legal counsel to personally represent me if my visa is revoked or my status is terminated? 

No. Public universities in Washington State are represented by the Attorney General’s Office. The Attorney General’s Office cannot, by law, provide legal advice to individual Washingtonians, nor can the Office intervene on behalf of an individual. 

International Student and Scholar Services and Human Resources are trained to support F-1, J-1, and H-1B visa holders with maintaining compliance with federal immigration regulations for study, research, or employment, but are not immigration attorneys and not qualified to give legal advice. 

If you need legal advice, you should consult with an immigration attorney.

What happens to my work authorization if my visa is revoked or status terminated?

When the federal government revokes a visa or terminates a visa holder’s status, all benefits granted by the visa or status are also revoked, including work authorization. Federal law would require any organization to immediately terminate employment of an individual whose work authorization is revoked. 

Can Western reinstate my visa or legal status for me? 

Unfortunately, universities don’t have the power to override federal immigration officials if they revoke someone’s visa or terminate their status. 

Can I travel internationally as an F-1, J-1, or H-1B visa holder and reenter the United States? 

There may be risk traveling abroad, particularly upon reentry into the United States. 

International students and visiting scholars should check in with ISSS before traveling abroad and should always follow these travel reminders on the ISSS website. Employees on H-1B visas should check in with Human Resources before international travel. Notifying ISSS or your employer also ensures that they know where you are if you are unable to show up for school or work, and Western may be able to provide supporting documents you may need.

If you are traveling abroad to renew your visa, plan for longer processing times for visa stamping and interviews. 

What if I experience difficulty reentering the United States? 

If you encounter issues entering the US, you may be directed to secondary inspection. This is a routine process where immigration officials review your documents in more detail. Stay calm and ensure you have your passport, valid visa, I-20 or DS-2019, and any other supporting documentation you may have.

We encourage you to develop a personal safety plan, including having an emergency response team comprised of family, peers, community members, and an immigration attorney. Please note that Western’s legal counsel provided by the state’s Attorney General’s Office cannot, by state law, provide individuals with legal advice or intervene on their behalf.  Learn more about developing a safety plan from the National Immigration Law Center. 

We suggest that you notify ISSS, HR, or your supervisor at Western before travel outside of the United States. Notifying your employer also ensures that they know where you are if you are unable to show up for school or work, and Western may be able to provide supporting documents you may need.

Could Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) show up at one’s home or workplace?

If someone’s visa is revoked or their status terminated, it is possible that immigration enforcement officials could visit that person’s residence or workplace to verify they have left the United States and possibly detain the individual if found. Review the Washington State Attorney General’s Office’s Know Your Rights webpage for information on options if approached or detained by immigration enforcement. 

Given media reports of detention of some international students, scholars, and employees with valid visas, we encourage you to develop a personal safety plan, including having an emergency response team comprised of family, peers, community members, and an immigration attorney. Learn more about developing a safety plan from the National Immigration Law Center. 

Should I have any documents on my person to verify my valid visa or legal status, even around Bellingham?

Federal law already requires that you always carry "registration" documentation to prove your legal status and identity. This includes a basic identity document such as a passport and Employment Authorization Document (EAD), if you have one, plus your current I-20 for F-1 students or DS-2019 for J-1 students. Also carry a copy of your most recent I-94 that shows the date you last entered the US. For day-to-day purposes, we suggest you keep official documents in a secure location and carry color copies.