Federal Policy Primer and Discussion Guide: Immigration and International Enrollment
A guide to help education leaders navigate the 2025 presidential transition and related federal changes
The Trump administration’s second term has ushered in significant changes to federal immigration policy, intensifying its hardline approach. These policy shifts, implemented through a series of executive orders and agency directives, represent a comprehensive effort to reshape the U.S. immigration system, and they present substantial challenges for colleges and universities. Higher education leaders must navigate a complex landscape, balancing legal obligations with their commitment to fostering strong academic communities.
Download our policy primer for help unpacking the following topics:
- What’s changed for undocumented students: How recent orders and legislation will change their experience on campus
- What’s changed for international students and staff: How changes in procedure and policy may limit their access to U.S. education
- What’s changed for institutions and compliance: How the administration is attempting to ensure alignment with federal priorities
- What hasn’t changed, yet: Where policies associated with the Trump campaign stand today
Strategic questions every team should be discussing right now
As you review our policy primer and consider the implications of recent immigration and international enrollment changes, use the following discussion questions to inform your institution’s next steps. We suggest engaging your cabinet, along with key stakeholders such as the Vice President for Student Affairs, Legal Counsel, and Chief Advancement Officer.
- What policies, guidelines, and values will we adhere to when navigating issues related to undocumented students and workers throughout the Trump administration?
- How can we sustain a compelling and differentiated value proposition for international students and faculty who may be deterred by a less welcoming national climate?
- With so much uncertainty around what the administration will or won’t do to restrict funds, what level of financial risk are we willing to tolerate when weighing differences between federal priorities and institutional values?
- All three of the issues mentioned on the ‘What Hasn’t Changed, Yet’ page (protections for DACA recipients, changes to student visa programs, changes to H1-B visas and ‘OPT’) have fates that are uncertain, and there is considerable room for good ideas to prevail. Which issues matter most to our institution, and which solutions would we advocate for in each case?
Want more guidance on how to prepare for what’s next? To learn about EAB’s scenario planning workshop, contact your Strategic Leader or email [email protected].
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