U.S. colleges warn international students not to travel overseas this summer

Source: NBC News

April 25, 2025, 6:59 PM EDT


Universities are continuing to warn international students about traveling abroad this summer as the Trump administration said Friday it would restore legal status to those who’d had it revoked. The University of California, Berkeley, reiterated hours after the announcement that overseas travel by international students remains a high risk because immigration policies can change rapidly.

Many universities nationwide have cautioned international students about traveling abroad this summer, fearing many will not be allowed to return. “Due to the increased risks involved in re-entering into the United States, we are advising members of the Duke international community to avoid international travel unless essential,” the university wrote last week in a memo to students and faculty. “A valid visa does not guarantee entry to the U.S.”

The administration’s change in policy came after thousands of international college students had already had their visas, legal statuses and immigration records terminated.

But that does not change the imperative to exercise caution when deciding whether to travel abroad, said Jeff Joseph, president-elect of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. “Traveling outside of the country can be risky,” he said, adding that international students should consult with a lawyer. “The fact is the Department of State has unilateral authority to revoke visas for any or no reason.”

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/us-colleges-warn-international-students-not-travel-overseas-summer-rcna202886