Minnesota Colleges Report 15,000 International Students Adding $488M

Key Takeaways

• As of May 27, 2025, all new student visa interviews are paused nationwide, affecting Minnesota colleges.
• Over 1,700 student SEVIS records terminated nationwide since March 2025, including 27 in Minnesota.
• International students contribute $488 million annually to Minnesota’s economy; visa restrictions threaten enrollment.

Minnesota Colleges, International Students, and the Impact of Sudden U.S. Visa Changes

Minnesota colleges and universities are facing a crisis that could reshape their campuses and the state’s economy. As of late May 2025, new federal visa policies and sudden enforcement actions have left the future of more than 15,000 international students in Minnesota uncertain. These students contribute an estimated $488 million each year to Minnesota’s economy, but aggressive new rules from the Trump administration threaten both their legal status and the financial health of the state’s higher education system.

This article explains what’s happening, who is affected, and what it means for students, schools, and the wider community. It also provides practical steps for international students and their families, along with official resources for further help.

What’s Happening: New Federal Actions Shake Up Student Visas

Who: International students at Minnesota colleges, especially those from China 🇨🇳 and those involved in campus activism, are at the center of these changes.
What: The Trump administration has announced new visa restrictions, paused all new student visa interviews, and begun revoking visas for some students.
When: The most recent changes were announced between May 27 and May 29, 2025.
Where: These changes affect students across the United States 🇺🇸, with a direct impact on Minnesota’s colleges and universities.
Why: Officials say the changes are meant to address national security concerns, especially regarding students from China 🇨🇳 and those in “critical fields” like science and technology.
How: The government is using new rules to terminate student records, expand social media checks, and increase scrutiny of visa applications.

Key Developments: What Has Changed for International Students?

1. Visa Interview Freeze

• As of May 27, 2025, all new student visa interviews are paused.
  This means students who have been accepted to Minnesota colleges for the 2025-26 academic year cannot schedule interviews to get their F, M, or J visas.
• The pause is to prepare for expanded social media vetting, which will require all applicants to provide more information about their online activity.

2. Aggressive Visa Revocations

• The U.S. government is revoking visas for some Chinese students, especially those in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, or those suspected of ties to the Chinese Communist Party.
• Students involved in campus protests, especially pro-Palestinian activism, are also facing increased scrutiny and risk of visa termination.

3. SEVIS Record Terminations and Reinstatements

• Since March 2025, over 1,700 international students nationwide (including at least 27 in Minnesota) had their SEVIS records terminated, sometimes for minor issues like traffic violations.
• SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is the government’s tracking system for international students.
• After lawsuits and court orders, the government has started to reinstate many students’ legal status, but the process is slow and confusing.

4. Expanded Social Media Screening

• All new student visa applicants will soon face expanded social media checks.
• This could delay visa processing and increase the number of denials, making it harder for students to come to Minnesota colleges.

Why This Matters: The Stakes for Minnesota Colleges and the State

Economic Impact

• International students contribute $488 million each year to Minnesota’s economy.
• They pay full tuition, often without access to federal financial aid, making them a key source of revenue for colleges and universities.
• A drop in international enrollment could mean budget cuts, fewer programs, and higher costs for local students.

Academic and Campus Life

• At the University of Minnesota, more than 6,000 international students make up over 10% of the student body.
• International students bring diverse perspectives, help with research, and enrich campus life.
• Losing these students would affect classroom discussions, research projects, and the overall learning environment.

Personal Impact on Students

• Many international students now fear deportation for even minor mistakes.
• Some have stopped attending classes, left the country, or deleted their social media accounts to avoid scrutiny.
• The uncertainty is causing stress, confusion, and a sense of being unfairly targeted.

How the Student Visa Process Works (and What’s Changed)

To understand the current crisis, it helps to know the normal steps for international students coming to Minnesota colleges:

1. Apply and Get Admitted:
   Students apply to a SEVP-certified school (like the University of Minnesota).
2. Get the I-20 Form:
   After being admitted and paying tuition, the school issues an I-20 form. This is a key document needed for the visa application.
   Official I-20 form information
3. Apply for the Visa:
   Students use the I-20 to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. They must also pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
4. Schedule and Attend Interview:
   Normally, students schedule a visa interview. As of May 27, 2025, this step is paused.
5. Arrive and Register:
   After getting the visa, students travel to the United States 🇺🇸 and must check in with their school’s international office within three days.
6. Maintain Status:
   Students must follow all visa rules. Even minor infractions can now lead to immediate termination of their SEVIS record.

What’s different now?
– No new interviews are being scheduled, so new students may not be able to start classes in the fall.
– Expanded social media checks could delay or block visa approvals.
– SEVIS terminations are happening more often and for smaller issues, with little warning or explanation.

Who Is Most Affected?

Chinese Students

• Chinese students make up about a quarter of all international students in the United States 🇺🇸.
• They are especially targeted by the new visa revocations and increased scrutiny.
• Many are in STEM fields, which are now labeled as “critical fields” by the government.

Student Activists

• Students involved in campus protests, especially those supporting Palestinian causes, are facing more attention from immigration officials.
• Some have had their visas revoked or SEVIS records terminated without clear reasons.

All International Students

• The fear of sudden deportation is now widespread.
• Students are worried about minor mistakes, social media posts, or even attending peaceful protests.

What Minnesota Colleges Are Doing

University Leadership Response

• The University of Minnesota and other schools have publicly promised to support their international students.
• They are closely watching federal policy changes and working with legal experts to help students keep their status.

International Student Services

• Offices like the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at the University of Minnesota are helping students understand the new rules.
• Kathryn Gaylord-Miles, Associate Director of ISSS, called the current situation “unprecedented” and said it’s hard to give clear advice because the rules keep changing.

Legal Support

• Immigration attorneys, such as David Wilson, have criticized the government’s actions as “executive branch overreach.”
• Courts have stepped in to stop some of the harshest measures, forcing the government to reinstate many students’ legal status.

Real-Life Effects: Stories from the Ground

• Some students have stopped attending classes out of fear that even a small mistake could lead to deportation.
• Others have left the United States 🇺🇸 altogether, worried that they might not be able to return if they travel home.
• Many are deleting social media accounts or avoiding protests to reduce the risk of being targeted.

What’s Next? The Future for International Students in Minnesota

Pending Policy Changes

• The government is working on a new framework for SEVIS terminations, but no timeline has been announced.
• Expanded social media screening is expected to start soon, which could make the visa process even slower and more difficult.

Possible Drop in Enrollment

• University officials fear a big drop in international student enrollment for the 2025-26 academic year.
• This could mean less money for schools, fewer programs, and a less diverse campus environment.

Ongoing Legal Battles

• Lawsuits challenging the government’s actions are still in progress.
• Courts may continue to play a key role in protecting students’ rights.

Practical Guidance for International Students

If you are an international student at a Minnesota college, here’s what you should do:

• Stay in close contact with your school’s international office. They can help you understand the latest rules and what steps to take if your status is at risk.
• Keep your documents up to date. Make sure your I-20 form and SEVIS record are accurate.
• Be careful with social media. The government is now checking online activity more closely.
• Avoid legal trouble. Even minor infractions can now lead to serious consequences.
• If your SEVIS record is terminated, act quickly. You may need to apply for reinstatement or leave the country within 15 days.

For more information on the student visa process and maintaining your status, visit the official Study in the States website from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Key Facts at a Glance

Multiple Perspectives: What Different Groups Are Saying

Federal Government

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the new rules are needed for national security and to stop foreign influence, especially from China 🇨🇳.

University Officials

• Leaders at Minnesota colleges are worried about the financial and academic impact of losing international students.
• They say the changes could hurt the state’s economy and make campuses less diverse.

Legal Experts

• Immigration attorneys argue that the government’s actions are legally questionable and have caused unnecessary hardship.
• Courts have already forced the government to reverse some of the harshest measures.

Students

• Many international students feel confused, scared, and unfairly targeted.
• Some are considering leaving the United States 🇺🇸 or not coming at all.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the uncertainty and rapid policy changes are making it very hard for students and schools to plan for the future.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

• University of Minnesota International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS):
  admissions.tc.umn.edu/frequently-asked-questions-about-international-admission
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Study in the States:
  studyinthestates.dhs.gov
• University of Minnesota Federal Immigration Policies Resource:
  brief.umn.edu/federal-immigration-policies-support-and-resources

Conclusion: Uncertain Times for Minnesota Colleges and International Students

Minnesota colleges and their 15,000 international students are facing a period of deep uncertainty. Aggressive new federal visa policies, mass SEVIS terminations, and a freeze on new student visa interviews have created confusion and fear. While recent court actions have helped some students regain their legal status, the future remains unclear. Expanded vetting and further restrictions are likely, and university officials, legal experts, and students are all preparing for more disruption.

The stakes are high—not just for students and their families, but for the entire state of Minnesota. The coming months will be critical in deciding whether Minnesota colleges can continue to welcome international students and benefit from their contributions, or whether new barriers will change the face of higher education in the state for years to come.

Learn Today

SEVIS → A U.S. government system tracking international students’ visa and status information.
I-20 Form → A key document issued by schools to apply for student visas.
Visa Interview → An appointment at U.S. embassies or consulates required for student visa approval.
Visa Revocation → The government canceling a student’s visa, often due to security concerns.
Social Media Vetting → Expanded government checks of applicants’ online activities during visa processing.

This Article in a Nutshell

Minnesota colleges face a crisis as new U.S. visa policies pause interviews and revoke student visas. Over 15,000 international students contribute $488 million yearly but now face uncertainty, affecting campuses and the state economy. Legal battles continue while expanded social media vetting may further delay visas.
— By VisaVerge.com