Immigration Update

Faculty, Staff and Students:

UTSA’s Office of Global Initiatives is closely monitoring actions by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of State (DOS) related to international students and scholars. While the university acknowledges the federal government's authority in visa matters, it also values our international Roadrunners pursuing academic, research and career achievement.

We are aware of reports and monitoring actions related to student visa revocations and Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record terminations, often accompanied by requests that the visa holders self-deport without appealing the decision. Institutions of higher education are not consistently notified of visa revocations or record terminations in individual cases, nor are they required to be under the law. Further, reasons for the terminations by federal officials may not always be clearly articulated.

The UTSA Office of Global Initiatives, in collaboration with other campus partners, has initiated the following actions for students who may be impacted by current federal actions:

• If the university becomes aware that a student’s status is terminated, the International Student Services (ISSS) team will promptly notify the student of the situation. If students wish to seek reinstatement of their status with DHS, ISSS can provide high-level guidance on the process and refer students to external legal resources. 
• If students do not wish to seek reinstatement, ISSS recommends prompt departure from the U.S. Note, unless seeking reinstatement, a delay in departure could jeopardize a student’s option to return to the United States in the future.
• If the student decides to depart rather than seek reinstatement, Global Initiatives can provide:
  • letters to assist with terminating a housing lease, auto loan, or other financial obligation,
  • support for transportation,
  • pet relocation services.
  • Contact Carelli de la Garza at 210-458-7231 or email Carelli.delaGarzaTorres@utsa.edu for more information.
• Students may obtain same-day access through Global Initiatives to UTSA’s counseling professionals. Please contact Dr. Rhonda Waller at 210-458-7241 or Rhonda.Waller@utsa.edu to obtain access. Or students may use the Timely Care TalkNow resource at any time.

Additionally, UTSA is working closely with the leadership of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU), an association of 248 public higher education institutions, and with its Commission on International Initiatives to seek further clarity on these matters. Examples of recent activity include:

• APLU joined 15 higher education associations in requesting a briefing from the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State seeking additional information on the underlying policy and future planned actions impacting international students.
• APLU is engaging senior State Department leadership on the importance of international student issues to member institutions.
• APLU staff is meeting with key members of congressional committees to detail impacts and seek additional information on State and DHS policies.

Global Initiatives will continue to monitor conditions and activity on an ongoing basis and provide updates as new guidance evolves.