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Emigration and immigration

Arizona Universities Respond to Restrictive Immigration Policies

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As restrictive immigration policies continue to escalate in the United States, universities in Arizona are finding innovative ways to support international students while navigating the complexities of visa-related uncertainties. In the past week, Michigan State University and Arizona State University issued travel advisories, cautioning international students to reconsider traveling abroad due to mounting concerns over visa delays and reentry complications. Meanwhile, the University of Arizona is launching a first-semester study abroad program in London to circumvent visa hurdles and ensure continuity in international education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Arizona State University (ASU) issued a travel advisory on June 6, recommending that international students return to the US by June 9 and avoid international travel until they complete their degrees.
  • The ASU advisory affects around 17,000 international students, one of the largest numbers in the nation.
  • The travel warning echoes concerns expressed by faculty members, who advise students to avoid traveling abroad for professional needs like conferences or certificates.
  • Many students, particularly in technical and scientific disciplines, rely on overseas travel for their academic and professional goals.
  • The University of Arizona is launching a first-semester study abroad program in London to bypass visa complications and ensure continuity in international education.
  • The UA program allows international students to begin their degree path without entering the US immediately, while global micro-campuses enable students to earn U.S. degrees without needing a US visa.
  • The University of Arizona's Vice President for International Education, Jenny Lee, acknowledged that recent federal moves have shaken confidence among prospective students.

Statistics:

  • 17,000 international students enrolled at Arizona State University (ASU)
  • June 6: Arizona State University sent an email to international students strongly recommending that they return to the US by June 9 and avoid international travel until they complete their degrees
  • 1st Semester Study Abroad Program: University of Arizona is launching a first Semester Study Abroad Program in London
  • Global micro-campuses enable students to earn U.S. degrees without needing a US visa

Sources:

  • Michigan State University (no date)
  • Arizona State University (no date)
  • University of Arizona (no date)
  • ABC15 (no date)
  • Quote from Michael Kintscher, president of the United Campus Workers of Arizona, in ABC15 (no date)
  • Quote from Jenny Lee, UA's Vice President for International Education, in a presentation to the Arizona Board of Regents (no date)

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