Graduate & Professional Student Council (GPSC)

Subject: GPSC Call to Action - International Students and Scholars Visa, Education, and Safety

Date: Sep 25th, 2025 / gpscpresident@arizona.edu

Dear University of Arizona Community,

Multiple bills have recently been introduced that would drastically change the visa situation for international students and scholars, including those on F-1 and H-1B visas. These proposed changes would negatively affect not only our international colleagues and friends, but also domestic students and researchers seeking opportunities to study and conduct research abroad.

The United States has long been a global hub for international education, attracting high-caliber students and scholars who make significant contributions to U.S. education, the economy, and society. According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), international students and scholars play a vital role in strengthening U.S. higher education and advancing innovation. Importantly, international students do not replace the American workforce—they help create jobs and expand opportunities for Americans.

“International students accounted for 6% of the total U.S. higher education population and, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, contributed more than $50 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023. The experience of studying in the United States not only shapes the lives of individuals, but the future of our interconnected world,” said Scott Weinhold, Senior Bureau Official for the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. “The ties formed between U.S. and international students today are the basis of relationships for future business and trade, science and innovation, and government relations.”, IIE Open Door Report, 2024

Below is a list of recent proposed changes that are open for public comments. We kindly ask for your support in safeguarding the well-being of international students and scholars, and preserving the vital value of international education and exchange:

1. The DHS has proposed to end "duration of status" (D/S) for international students that require completion by a fixed date without accounting for the extended duration of programs such as PhDs, which often exceed four years, or the possibility of needing extensions. This could upend the international student and exchange visitor experience in this country—miring them in academic inflexibility, uncertainty, and bureaucratic delays—while saddling institutions and government agencies with senseless administrative burdens.

2. The recent disruption to scheduling F, J, and M visa interviews, ongoing issues with visa appointment availability, and a June 4 executive order banning nationals from 19 countries threaten the arrival of international students and scholars on U.S. campuses.

3. We have recently learned that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) intends to cut FY2025 funding for at least two dozen Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) program awards totaling approximately $100 million. Act now to urge your member of Congress to press OMB to release the funds for these essential and time-honored exchange programs.

4. The president’s fiscal 2026 budget raises serious concerns for federal international education programs. To grow our economy, equip our workforce with global skills, and safeguard U.S. national security, it is critical to urge members of Congress to protect and fully fund these programs at the Departments of State and Education.

5. Placing "restriction on entry" of certain (H-1B) nonimmigrant workers and a new $100,000 fee and ending OPT.

GPSC IS ASKING FOR:

1. Clear and timely communication from University leadership regarding any proposed changes that could affect the status or programs of international students and scholars.

2. Active departmental outreach to international students and scholars, including regular check-ins and ensuring they have access to all available resources and support. It is essential that our international community feels supported and valued.

3. Ensure that safety measures are in place.

4. Provide legal support and information on immigration issues including clear instructions on how to respond to SEVIS status change or visa revocation.

5. Public engagement by submitting comments urging Congress to reject these harmful bills. 

Please see below for where you can submit a public comment, and take a moment to learn more about the process of submitting one, here: "submitting comments". For anonymous comments, please see here: "submitting anonymous comments".

• Submit a public comment for “Ending Duration of Status”.

• Submit a public comment for “Prioritize Visa Appointments for International Students and Scholars and Exempt them from the Travel Ban”

• Submit a public Comment for “Cutting International Education and Exchange Programs Funds”

• Submit Public comment for Sustain and Restore Federal Investment in International Education

• Public comment is not yet open for H1B proposed recent changes including ending OPT

• Please call your senators and state representatives urging them to mitigate these changes:

  • U.S. Senators:

    • Mark Kelly (D): Contact Mark

    • Ruben Gallego (D): Contact Ruben

    • US House of Representatives: List of Contact

We recognize that the process of addressing policy changes can be complex and unpredictable. We welcome your input on potential bill amendments, as well as any other thoughts or concerns you may have. Thank you so very much for supporting our colleagues and friend international students and scholars.

Graduate & Professional Student Council Executive Board

The University of Arizona