This page is a resource for students, faculty, and staff summarizing federal news and policy changes and updates.
Latest Updates
- April 22, 2025 - Chancellor Suárez-Orozco has joined higher education leaders across the country in endorsing a statement that calls for constructive engagement in response to ongoing government intrusion into higher education.
- April 17, 2025 - As part of the Campus Update, Chancellor Suárez-Orozco addressed the recent revocation of student visas with a reflection on his own experience fleeing political repression in Argentina. He reaffirmed UMass Boston’s commitment to supporting international students and detailed a comprehensive framework of legal, academic, and emotional support for those affected.
News & Guidance by Subject
Immigration & Travel
- April 5, 2025 — Chancellor Suárez-Orozco has written to the campus community regarding immigration actions affecting individuals on UMass Boston-sponsored visas.
- April 3, 2025 — The UMass President's Office will host a "Know Your Rights" webinar on Friday, April 4, at 3 p.m. for students, faculty, and staff. The presentation features Chief Operating Officer for the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants Susan Church and immigration attorney Elizabeth Goss of Goss Associates LLC. (A UMass login is required for registration.)
- March 31, 2025 —The university reminds all community members to review traveler information from the Office of Global Programs before travel.
- February 26, 2025 —The Office of General Counsel has issued updated employee guidance on responding to visits or inquiries by government agents or law enforcement officers.
- February 12, 2025 — UMass hosted a webinar, “Know Your Rights” for students, faculty, and staff with Susan Church, JD, Chief Operating Officer for the Office of Refugees and Immigrants for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Use the passcode =&QUbv+6.
- February 6, 2025 —The Office of General Counsel has provided an FAQ for faculty and staff related to visits or requests from local, state, and federal law enforcement or government representatives on University of Massachusetts property.
- January 30, 2025 - Information for immigrant students and Massachusetts colleges and universities on immigration enforcement from Mass Attorney General.
- January 28, 2025— The Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General has shared guidance to public colleges and universities related to immigration, including advice on responding to immigration officers.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility
- March 5, 2025 —The Attorney General of Massachusetts has issued guidance to ensure K-12 schools, colleges, and universities across the nation understand the legality, viability, and importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility policies and practices in education.
- February 27, 2025 — Governor Healey and Attorney General Campbell have issued joint guidance affirming their commitment to equal access to education in Massachusetts.
- February 21, 2025 — The UMass President's Office has issued guidance regarding DEI activities in preparation for a future legal directive from the USDOE.
- February 21, 2025 — A federal judge granted a preliminary injunction largely blocking executive orders that seek to end government support for DEI programs.
- February 13, 2025 — AG Campbell issues multi-state guidance concerning DEIA employment initiatives.
- January 31, 2025— AG Campbell Issues Joint Statement On President Trump's Executive Orders Dismantling DEIA Initiatives.
Civil Rights & Title IX
- March 3, 2025 — The US Department of Education has issued an FAQ about racial preferences and stereotypes under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
- February 11, 2025 — The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX shares updates about the UMass Boston Title IX Policy.
- January 31, 2025 - US Dept of Education’s Office for Civil Rights will enforce Title IX under the provisions of the 2020 Title IX Rule, rather than the recently invalidated 2024 Title IX Rule.
Research
- April 4, 2025 — The Attorney General of Massachusetts has filed a lawsuit challenging the federal administration's attempt to disrupt grant funding issued by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
- February 10, 2025 — AG Campbell Sues Trump Administration For Defunding Medical And Public Health Innovation Research.
- February 2, 2025 - The UMass President’s Office has issued guidance regarding grant-funded operations.
- January 29, 2025— The White House has rescinded the order freezing federal assistance, including research funding.
Government Shutdown & University Leadership Statement
- March 13, 2025—Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco and Provost Joseph Berger offer guidance and support to the campus community on the eve of possible government shutdown, which was later averted.
Advice for International Students
As Chancellor Suárez-Orozco has written “these are unprecedented times, and our normal guiding principles for living in a democratic society are being challenged. With the rate and depth of changes occurring, we must be thoughtful in how we best prepare, protect, and respond … [w]e will intensify our dedication to fostering an inclusive and thriving community, to relentlessly support our community—especially our students—while remaining vigilant in our responsibility to protect individual rights in accordance with state and federal laws.”
In light of recent actions taken by the federal government, the university is offering this information to international students and scholars, faculty and staff on UMass Boston sponsored visas who have questions or concerns about the government’s unilateral visa revocations and SEVIS record terminations.
Make a Plan That Works for You
- Monitor the email address used to apply for your F-1, J-1, or other non-immigrant visa for notifications from the Department of State. The Office of Global Programs (OGP) will contact you if SEVIS indicates that your record has been terminated. Contact OGP immediately if a federal agency (or someone claiming to be from a federal agency) has contacted you. For those with a visa status other than F and J, please monitor your emails and reach out to HR@umb.edu if you receive any notifications from the federal government.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced that the Department of Homeland Security will review the social media and online activity for all immigration benefits. As a result, we recommend considering your public digital profile and social media activity. Please refer to the “Digital Presence & Scam Awareness” email sent at the end of March to all non-immigrant status holders for more details.
- Get legal guidance. Contact our International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) team via ISSS@umb.edu for legal aid referrals and/or find a personal attorney.
- Know your rights. Read guidance from the National Immigration Law Center or watch the "Know Your Rights" webinar (use the password =&QUbv+6). Note: This webinar was recorded prior to the current trend of visa revocations/SEVIS terminations.
- Need financial support? Contact the Dean of Students Office to discuss emergency support options including the emergency aid fund.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
- Carry a printed copy of the Know Your Rights Red Card.
- Carry documents that corroborate your identity and demonstrate compliance with the registration requirements at all times.
- Examples of identity documents:
- Valid driver’s license or state ID (if applicable)
- Green Card<
- Examples of documents that demonstrate compliance with the registration requirement:
- Most recent valid and unexpired Form I-94
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Green Card (Legal Permanent Residents)
- F-1/F-2 holders should also consider carrying their most recent Form I-20.
- J-1/J-2 holders should also consider carrying their most recent Form DS-2019.
- H-1B/H-4 holders should also consider carrying their most recent I-797 Approval Notice.
- Examples of identity documents:
- Carry your UMass Boston BeaconCard ID
- Have these numbers saved in your phone and carry a paper copy with you:
UMass Boston Police Department: (617) 287-7777
Office of Global Programs: 617-287-5586
Phone number for your local law enforcement agency if you live off-campus
Phone number for your personal attorney (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions
What support will I get if my SEVIS record is terminated?
If the Office of Global Programs becomes aware that a student’s SEVIS record has been terminated, they will immediately reach out to the student to offer tailored, individual support. This includes connecting them with the Dean of Students Office and outside legal aid referrals as well as academic leadership who can provide guidance and academic support. Because each student’s needs are different, there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
What should I do if I am contacted by a federal agency regarding my immigration status?
Contact the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) team immediately for guidance and support if you receive any communication that appears to be from a federal agency regarding your visa or immigration status.
What should I do if I am taken into custody?
If you are taken into custody on campus, call UMBPD dispatch at (617) 287-7777 or ask a bystander to do so on your behalf. If you are taken into custody off-campus, contact your local police department, then notify UMBPD at (617) 287-7777 . Contact legal representation for support.
How can I find legal guidance?
Contact our International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) team for legal guidance referrals and/or find a personal attorney.
How can I get emergency financial assistance?
Contact the Dean of Students Office to discuss emergency support options including the emergency aid fund.
What should I do if I want to travel?
Consider postponing any non-critical or non-essential travel. If you must travel, please consult OGP’s travel information.
Why is the federal government revoking student visas and terminated SEVIS records?
Like universities around the country, UMass Boston is still working to understand the reasons behind the visa revocations and/or SEVIS terminations. The government has provided minimal or no explanation, and the university is not aware of any pattern in visa revocations and SEVIS terminations.
Has UMass Boston shared any data or information to the federal government that may have led to these revocations?
UMass Boston has never – and will never – voluntarily provide any protected student or employee records to any third party. Ever. Additionally, UMass Boston has no evidence that these visa revocations and SEVIS terminations have any connection whatsoever to any information the university is legally required to share with the federal government.
Who can I speak with about stress or anxiety?
We also recognize that this may be an emotional and difficult time. Please do not hesitate to reach out for help — whether you need immigration advice, someone to talk to, or support navigating this uncertainty. Our campus resources — including ISSS, the Counseling Center, and Dean of Student’s team — are here for you.
Employees seeking assistance can contact ComPsych Guidance Resources, available 24/7, and by calling 844-393-4983; TDD, 800-697-0353. This service is confidential and free for all faculty and staff