Dear Colleagues,
International Student and Scholar Services is writing to share important updates regarding the June 4 proclamation issued by the White House that introduced entry restrictions for individuals from 19 countries, effective 12:01 EST June 9, 2025.
On the evening of June 4, ISSS immediately issued a message alerting our international community to these New Travel Restrictions. The message is available in full in the ISSS Announcements Blog.
Following a detailed review of the proclamation in consultation with Legal Counsel, ISSS directly contacted international students, scholars, faculty and staff from the 19 affected countries, providing greater detail as to how these new rules may affect them. ISSS also provided guidance on international travel. The text of those messages is available below.
As ISSS does not track international travel, we are unaware how many active international students and scholars will be directly impacted by the restrictions on entry. For affected students and scholars unable to re-enter the U.S., we have recommended that students contact their academic program, and staff and scholars contact their supervisor, to discuss program options that may be available.
Over the past several months, our international community has been subject to increasing scrutiny and distressing announcements for simply seeking to study, work and learn at an institution outside their home country. This announcement exacerbates that anxiety, especially for those from the 19 listed countries. We ask for your flexibility for these impacted individuals and a willingness to explore possible alternatives to allow students to continue their studies. Thank you for supporting our community during this incredibly challenging time.
Sincerely,
MARTIN MCFARLANE
Director
Illinois International
International Student and Scholar Services
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
1st Floor International Studies Building
910 S. Fifth St | M/C 417
Champaign, IL 61820
217.333.1303 | fax: 217.265.4252
isss.illinois.edu
Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act any written communication to or from university employees regarding university business is a public record and may be subject to public disclosure.
The University of Illinois System Privacy Statement explains how the University processes personal information and sensitive personal information, including for persons providing such information from outside the United States. You are encouraged to read this statement if you have questions about your privacy, including who to contact at the University of Illinois, any rights you may have under applicable privacy laws, and how you can file a complaint.
___________
Message sent to impacted international students, faculty, staff, and scholars on June 6:
On Wednesday, June 4, the White House issued a proclamation that introduced entry restrictions for individuals from 19 countries, effective 12:01 EST June 9, 2025.
If you are physically present in the U.S. at 12:01 EST on June 9 (which is 11:01 PM Champaign time on Sunday, June 8), or if you are in possession of a valid entry visa at that time, then you are not subject to the restrictions in the proclamation. However, if you are outside the U.S. when the new rules go into effect, and do not have a valid U.S. entry visa, you will be prohibited from entering the country.
ISSS recommends making every attempt to be physically in the U.S. before the effective date of these travel restrictions. If this is not possible, and you are not in possession of a valid entry visa, we recommend that students contact their academic program, and staff and scholars contact their supervisor, to discuss program options that may be available.
Although those in the U.S. with valid visas should be considered exempt from this policy, it remains unknown how Customs and Border Patrol will administer entry under these new rules. We recommend exercising caution when planning international travel and making a personal assessment of the potential risks associated with attempting to re-enter the U.S. while your country of citizenship is subject to these restrictions.
We want to re-emphasize our understanding of the distress and anxiety this has created for all members of our international community, but especially for those from the 19 listed countries. You are welcome, wanted, and essential part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
ISSS will continue to monitor developments around these restrictions and communicate any updates as quickly as possible.