Immigration and Citizenship Community News June 2025
June 6, 2025
Dear Comets,
We hope your summer is off to a strong and restful start. Whether you’re taking summer courses, working, or planning your next steps, OICS is here to support your journey. Here are some updates:
Student Visa Issuance Temporarily Paused & Resumed – Implentation of Social Media Screening
Recently the Department of State was instructed to temporarily pause the issuance of student visas in order to implement additional social media screening requirements for applicants. Reports have indicated that certain consulates have begun reopening student visa appointments following this pause. Going forward, you should be mindful of your social media presence when planning to apply for a new visa or a visa renewal. Some things to keep in mind are:
- Being aware of what information is publicly available when you search your name on the internet
- Reviewing social media accounts or posts, including photos and content that may be considered threatening or indicate mental health issues
- Being aware of politically sensitive content that could be misinterpreted by immigration authorities. Be especially mindful of information in your social media that could be viewed as antisemitic actions or terrorist activity.
- Additionally, being aware that your online presence may be construed as “evasive” if accounts are overly restricted or hidden
Termination of the Designation of Cameroon and Nepal for Temporary Protected Status
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for both Cameroon and Nepal, with both designations ending effective August 5, 2025. Affected individuals will have a 60-day wind-down period to depart the United States or explore alternative immigration options. For more information and official updates, please visit the USCIS Temporary Protected Status page.
USCIS to Expand EAD Validity for Certain Categories
Effective June 1, USCIS has extended Employment Authorization Document (EAD) validity to up to 5 years for specific categories and certain adjustment of status applicants. If you are planning to renew your work permit, this change may give you longer work authorization. Check your eligibility on USCIS.gov
DACA Renewal Guidance
To ensure timely processing and avoid potential gaps in your Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status and employment authorization, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recommends that DACA recipients submit their renewal requests between 120 and 150 days (4 to 5 months) before the expiration date on their current Form I-797 DACA approval notice. Filing within this window helps reduce the risk of your current DACA and employment authorization expiring before USCIS makes a decision on your renewal request. For detailed information and guidance on the DACA renewal process, please visit USCIS DACA page.
Travel Ban Update
A new Presidential Proclamation effective June 9, 2025, imposes travel restrictions on nationals from specific countries. These restrictions apply to individuals who were outside the United States on the effective date and did not already have a valid visa. Nationals from the following 12 countries are fully restricted from entry: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. In addition, nationals from seven countries—Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela—face partial restrictions, meaning entry is limited based on visa category. Egypt is currently under review.
These restrictions do not affect students who already hold valid visas issued before June 9, 2025. Individuals applying for a change of status within the U.S. are also not impacted. However, those seeking new F or J visas abroad after the effective date may be unable to enter the U.S. until the restrictions are lifted. Legal permanent residents and dual nationals entering the U.S. with a passport from an unrestricted country are exempt from these restrictions. The proclamation will be reviewed every 90 days and then every 180 days to determine whether to continue, modify, or lift the entry restrictions. For more information or to discuss your specific situation, contact OICS Advising Services
Ensure Orion Data is Correct
Orion displays your citizenship or immigration status, which is used to determine key services such as eligibility for student health insurance. It is important to verify that this information is accurate. To check your current status in Orion, log in to Galaxy, navigate to Orion Student Center, and look under Personal Information > Demographic Data. If your status is incorrect (for example, if you are mistakenly coded as F-1), you may be automatically charged for international student health insurance. To request a correction, email us at OICS@utdallas.edu with a copy of your supporting documentation (e.g., I-797, green card, EAD, I-94, etc.).
Changes in Fee Waivers
USCIS has adjusted eligibility for Form I-912 (Fee Waiver). If you’re applying for a green card, DACA, TPS, or naturalization and face financial hardship, you may qualify for waived fees. For the list of forms and services that are eligible for a fee waiver visit USCIS Fee Waivers
Navigating Employment
If you’re working under an EAD (e.g., TPS, asylum, DACA), you can apply for on-campus and off-campus jobs. Not sure what you’re eligible for? Schedule a one-on-one advising appointment and we will help you understand your rights and explore your options.
Did You Know?
You don’t have to be a citizen to apply for graduate school, fellowships, or some scholarships. We can help you identify opportunities that match your status.
Green card holders (LPRs) can work without restrictions and are eligible for most federal and state benefits. Let us know if you’re planning to apply for naturalization, we offer referrals and resources through our Citizenship Corner! Learn the steps to apply for naturalization at https://oics.utdallas.edu/naturalization/. Apply as soon as you are eligible.
Update Your Emergency Contacts
In the event of an emergency, including a medical emergency, being detained by Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) at a port of entry, or being detained by law enforcement or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), University officials may be able to get in touch with your emergency contact to update them on your situation. Here is how you can update your emergency contacts
Beware of Scams
Scams are on the rise. Protect yourself from immigration scams. If you need legal advice on immigration matters, make sure the person helping you is authorized to give legal advice. Visit the Avoid Scams page for information and resources.
OICS is here for you
You can reach out via email to OICS@utdallas.edu or through your iComet Portal, for nonimmigrant categories.
Find us on the web
Immigration and Citizenship webpage and archive of news located at – https://oics.utdallas.edu/newsletter/
Do not reply to this email. Clicking “reply” will send a message to the entire listserv. Unapproved listserv messages will be rejected. Instead, contact OICS directly – https://oics.utdallas.edu/immigration-advising/
Warm regards,
Office of Immigrant and Citizenship Services
The University of Texas at Dallas