On January 29, 2025, Executive Action 13899, entitled “Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism”, was signed by the President of the United States. The executive action specifically mentions “alien students or staff”. “Alien”, a term that has been recently re-introduced, refers to anyone who is not a citizen or a national of the United States. This action was followed by a fact sheet issued on 1/30/25 regarding: “Combating Anti-Semintism in the US”, which specifically refers to canceling student visas of those believed to be in support of Hamas (Gaza War). Additionally, a prior executive order "Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats” directs the departments of State and Homeland Security to ensure that applicants “do not bear hostile attitudes” toward U.S. institutions and that “admitted aliens…already present in the United States…do not advocate for, aid, or support designated foreign terrorists and other threats to our national security.”
In light of these executive actions and recent events across the country, we urge our international community at UM to be mindful of potential immigration consequences that may result from their conduct, expression or participation in protest-related activity.
Protests and Demonstrations: Safety Tips
If you are watching a demonstration that you may or may not agree with, or would like to peacefully participate in a demonstration or a counter-demonstration, we encourage you to be aware of recent federal enforcement activity and to take certain precautions to ensure your personal safety. If you are arrested, charged, or convicted while participating in a protest, this could impact your current and future immigration status, any future immigration or visa applications, and your interactions with immigration and consular authorities, as such activity may be determined to be “adverse to U.S. foreign policy”. Here are some personal safety and other considerations to keep in mind:
- Protests/demonstrations can draw very large crowds, and we advise leaving the demonstration area should there be any indication that violence, property damage, or other risks to personal health or safety could occur.
- If law enforcement officials are present, be sure to follow their instructions and leave the area if they direct you to do so.
- If you are not participating in or observing a protest or demonstration, we advise maintaining distance from the location where the protest or demonstration is occurring.
You may also wish to review Safety Tips: Protests & Demonstrations from the Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) and Student Activism on Campus from the Dean of Students Office.
Social Media Screening
The U-M international community should be aware that on April 9, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security announced that USCIS would begin “Screening Aliens’ Social Media Activity for Antisemitism". U.S. immigration agencies are reviewing social media posts as part of most applications for immigration benefits, including applications filed with USCIS from within the United States, applications filed with the U.S. Department of State to secure a visa stamp abroad through the U.S. Consulate, and applications for admission in any category at U.S. ports of entry.
If you have questions or concerns about the content of social media posts, consider consulting an immigration attorney. As a reminder, enrolled students can request legal advice and a free consultation with an immigration attorney from Student Legal Services.
Updated: 04/22/2025