Key Takeaways
• Trump administration paused new F, M, and J visa applications starting May 27, 2025.
• Over 4,700 foreign students affected; Catholic universities provide legal and academic support.
• Visa revocations especially target Chinese students, sparking lawsuits and university opposition.
Catholic Universities Rally to Support Foreign Students as US Visa Limits Tighten
In late May 2025, Catholic universities across the United States 🇺🇸 began mobilizing to support their international students after the Trump administration introduced new visa restrictions. These changes, which include a temporary halt on processing new student visas and increased scrutiny for certain applicants, have left thousands of foreign students in limbo. The move has sparked legal challenges, strong reactions from Catholic leaders, and a renewed commitment from Catholic universities to help their international communities.
Who is affected? International students at Catholic universities and other higher education institutions across the United States 🇺🇸 are facing uncertainty. What happened? The Trump administration ordered a pause on new F, M, and J visa applications, expanded social media vetting, and began revoking visas for some students, especially those from China 🇨🇳. When and where? The policy changes were announced in late May 2025 and affect universities nationwide. Why? Officials say the measures are meant to increase security, but critics argue they unfairly target foreign students and threaten academic exchange. How are Catholic universities responding? By providing legal, academic, and emotional support to their international students and speaking out against the new restrictions.
Below, we break down the latest developments, how Catholic universities are responding, what the new rules mean for students and their families, and what the future may hold.
Sweeping Visa Restrictions Hit Foreign Students
New Policies Announced
On May 27, 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent a cable to all U.S. embassies and consulates. The message: stop processing new F, M, and J visa applications until further notice. These visas are essential for international students (F and M visas) and exchange visitors (J visas) who want to study or participate in programs in the United States 🇺🇸.
The administration also announced plans to revoke visas for Chinese students with ties to the Chinese Communist Party or those studying in fields considered sensitive. This policy targets the second-largest group of international students in the country and has caused widespread concern among Chinese students and professionals.
As of June 2, 2025, at least 4,700 foreign students have been affected by these changes. More than 1,300 students have had their legal status changed, often without clear explanations. The suddenness and scope of these actions have left many students and universities scrambling for answers.
Catholic Universities Directly Impacted
Several Catholic universities have reported that their students are among those affected by the new visa limits:
- Catholic University of America (CUA): Confirmed that at least one student’s SEVIS record (the government system tracking international students) was terminated by the Department of Homeland Security. The university has pledged to support the student and keep them informed of their rights.
- Georgetown University: At least 10 students have had their visas revoked.
- Fordham University: Two students have lost their visas.
- Notre Dame University: While specific numbers are not public, Notre Dame is actively supporting its international students.
- A California Jesuit university: This unnamed institution reports ongoing support for both new and current international students during the visa crisis.
These cases highlight the broad reach of the new policies and the urgent need for support systems at Catholic universities.
Legal Challenges and University Actions
Lawsuits and Legal Pushback
The new visa rules have already sparked legal action. On May 29, 2025, a group of affected students filed a lawsuit against the federal government. They argue that many visa revocations are based on minor issues, such as traffic stops or criminal charges that were later dismissed. These students say they are being unfairly punished and denied due process.
Other universities are also fighting back. For example, Harvard University (not a Catholic institution) won a preliminary court order allowing it to keep its certification for international students while its lawsuit continues. This means Harvard’s international students can stay in the United States 🇺🇸 for now.
Catholic Universities Step Up Support
Catholic universities are taking several steps to help their international students:
- Orientation and Information Sessions: Catholic University of America is holding special sessions to explain immigration rules and responsibilities. They remind students that, under U.S. law, they must keep their immigration status up to date.
- Early Move-In and Housing Help: CUA offers early move-in options for international students who need a place to stay while sorting out their visa status.
- International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS): Offices like ISSS at CUA provide direct support. International students must check in with ISSS within 10 days of starting classes to finalize their transfer and keep their legal status.
- Clear Admission Requirements: Catholic International University has set clear rules for international applicants, including English language standards and credential checks.
These measures aim to give students the information and support they need to stay compliant with immigration laws and feel welcome on campus.
The Catholic Church’s Stand on Immigration
Catholic leaders have long spoken out against harsh immigration policies. Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago criticized President Trump’s plans for mass deportations even before he took office. Pope Francis has also weighed in, writing to U.S. bishops that deporting people who fled poverty, danger, or persecution “damages the dignity of many men and women, and of entire families, and places them in a state of particular vulnerability and defenselessness.”
This message stands in contrast to Vice President JD Vance, who, despite being Catholic, has disagreed with bishops on immigration. Pope Francis has publicly refuted Vance’s arguments, reinforcing the Church’s support for immigrants and refugees.
Visa Requirements and Application Process for Foreign Students
What Do International Students Need?
Most foreign students at Catholic universities need an F-1 student visa. Here’s what’s required to keep this visa:
- Declare a program of study and make steady progress toward finishing it
- Take at least 12 credits per semester and complete two semesters each year
- Maintain good grades
- Keep the university updated with your current U.S. address
If students fall out of compliance, they risk losing their legal status and could be forced to leave the country.
How to Apply for a Student Visa
The process for getting a student visa involves several steps:
- Apply for admission to the university. You’ll need to show proof of English skills, a copy of your passport, and evidence you can pay for your studies.
- Get accepted by the university.
- Transfer your SEVIS record if you’re already in the United States 🇺🇸 on a student visa. Your current school must fill out a Transfer To Catholic University Form and release your SEVIS record.
- Receive a new I-20 or DS-2019 form from your new school. These are official documents needed for your visa.
- Check in with ISSS within 10 days of starting classes to complete your transfer and keep your status legal.
For more details on the student visa process, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Student Visa page.
What About Family Members?
International students often want to bring their spouses or children. Here’s what you need to know:
- F-2 Status: For family of F-1 students. Spouses and children can’t work or take college classes (except for children in elementary or high school).
- J-2 Status: For family of J-1 exchange visitors. Spouses and children can apply for work permission and are allowed to study.
- Dependents of Employees (H-1B, TN, O-1): These family members can study but can’t work.
Catholic universities provide guidance to help students and their families understand these rules and avoid mistakes that could put their status at risk.
The Human Impact: Stories from Catholic Universities
The new visa limits have real effects on students’ lives. At Catholic University of America, a student’s SEVIS record was terminated, leaving them unsure if they could stay in the United States 🇺🇸. The university stepped in to offer support and legal advice.
At Georgetown University, at least 10 students lost their visas. Fordham University reported two cases. These students face tough choices: try to fight the decision in court, transfer to another country, or return home, sometimes to places where they no longer feel safe.
A California Jesuit university has made it clear that it will keep supporting both new and current international students, even as the rules change. This support includes legal help, counseling, and practical advice on how to stay in compliance with immigration laws.
Broader Implications for Students, Universities, and the United States 🇺🇸
For Students
- Uncertainty and Anxiety: Many foreign students feel anxious about their future. They worry about being forced to leave in the middle of their studies or losing years of hard work.
- Legal Risks: Students who lose their status may not be able to return to the United States 🇺🇸 for years, even if the rules change later.
- Financial Loss: Tuition, housing, and travel costs can add up quickly, especially if students have to leave suddenly.
For Catholic Universities
- Loss of Diversity: International students bring different cultures, ideas, and experiences that enrich campus life.
- Financial Impact: Many universities rely on tuition from foreign students to fund programs and scholarships.
- Reputation: Schools that can’t protect their international students may find it harder to attract new applicants in the future.
For the United States 🇺🇸
- Innovation and Research: Many international students go on to work in science, technology, and medicine, fields where the United States 🇺🇸 has long been a leader.
- Global Relationships: Students who study in the United States 🇺🇸 often become ambassadors for the country when they return home, building ties that last for decades.
- Legal Challenges: The new rules are expected to lead to a wave of lawsuits, which could tie up the courts and create even more uncertainty.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these sweeping changes could have long-term effects on the country’s ability to attract top talent and maintain its leadership in higher education and research.
What’s Next? Future Outlook and Practical Guidance
The future remains uncertain. The Trump administration has signaled that more changes could be coming, and it’s unclear how quickly the State Department and Department of Homeland Security will act on existing visas. There’s also the possibility that countries like China 🇨🇳 could respond with their own restrictions.
Catholic universities are urging their international students to:
- Stay in close contact with ISSS and university advisors
- Keep all documents up to date and follow all reporting requirements
- Seek legal advice if they receive notice of a visa revocation or status change
- Participate in university support programs for emotional and academic help
For students and families, the best step is to stay informed and act quickly if you receive any official notice about your visa or status. Always use official sources, like the U.S. Department of State, for the latest updates.
Conclusion: Catholic Universities Stand with International Students
Despite the challenges, Catholic universities remain committed to supporting their international students. They recognize the value these students bring to their campuses and the broader community. By offering legal help, academic support, and a welcoming environment, these institutions hope to help foreign students weather the storm of new US visa limits.
The situation is changing quickly, so students, families, and university staff should stay alert and work together. With strong support and clear information, Catholic universities aim to ensure that international students continue to thrive, even in uncertain times.
Learn Today
F-1 Student Visa → A nonimmigrant visa allowing foreign students to study full-time at U.S. academic institutions.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa → Visa for individuals participating in cultural and educational exchange visitor programs in the U.S.
SEVIS → Student and Exchange Visitor Information System tracking international students’ immigration status in the U.S.
Visa Revocation → The process of canceling a previously issued visa, often due to security or compliance concerns.
ISSS → International Student and Scholar Services office providing support and compliance assistance to international students.
This Article in a Nutshell
Catholic universities in the U.S. mobilize to support international students amid new visa restrictions introduced in May 2025. Thousands face uncertainty due to halted visa processing and revocations, especially among Chinese students. These institutions offer legal aid, housing support, and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of academic diversity and inclusion.
— By VisaVerge.com
