Adviser's Manual 360 News Feed

On January 29, 2025 President Trump issued an executive order on "Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism" on campuses.

News outlets reported that on Wednesday, January 29 Matthew Vaeth, the acting director of OMB, notified federal agencies that the January 27 OMB memo freezing Federal financial assistance programs has been rescinded.

On January 23, 2025, Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Benjamine Huffman signed a "Finding of Mass Influx of Aliens," two days before Kristi Noem was sworn in as DHS Secretary. The finding activates enhanced federal authority and resources and presses for state and local cooperation. See NAFSA's page for links and a transcription of the finding.

On January 26, 2025 Secretary of State Marco Rubio suspended visa issuance at the U.S. Embassy Bogota consular section, following Colombian President Petro's refusal to accept two repatriation flights unless the deported individuals are treated with the "dignity that a human being deserves." This is a situation in flux. The day following the visa issuance ban, news outlets began reporting that Colombia had agreed to receive the flights, and that the "suspension of visas would remain in effect until the first planeload of deportees is accepted."

On January 20, 2025 DHS rescinded a 2021 guidance memo that had required DHS officers and agents to seek headquarters approval before taking an enforcement action in protected areas like schools and colleges, hospitals or churches.

On January 20, 2025, inauguration day, President Trump issued numerous executive actions, including several immigration-related orders, proclamations, and memoranda. Access them on NAFSA's Executive and Regulatory Actions Under the Second Trump Administration page.

Join us on LinkedIn on January 22 from 1:00-2:00 Eastern as NAFSA CEO Dr. Fanta Aw and policy experts examine the path forward for international education. In this month's #IE30 discussion, we'll be joined by NAFSA board member Ahmad Ezzeddine and Jill Allen Murray and Rachel Banks of NAFSA's Public Policy team to explore priorities, resources, and collaborative opportunities for strengthening the field in this political environment.

Join NAFSA staff members David Fosnocht and Steve Springer on February 13 at 2:00 p.m Eastern for a discussion of student and scholar advising and the new presidential administration. We’ll discuss vehicles an administration can use to effect change, review interests of the prior Trump administration that may be revived, and describe steps you may take to avoid problems. We’ll also note sources you may use to keep up with developments and explain how you can get involved in NAFSA’s advocacy efforts? We also want to hear from you. What are your concerns? What can NAFSA do to support your work during this administration? Register today.

Explore NAFSA's dedicated hub for timely updates, objective analysis, and association advocacy and resources as we navigate policy changes under the new presidential administration.

On January 10, 2025 the Departments of Homeland Security and State announced the addition of Romania to the list of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program. “CBP anticipates the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online application and mobile application will be updated on or around March 31, 2025.”