Executive Orders: TPS ending for Venezuelans and Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism
February 28, 2025
Dear Comets,
OICS is working to continue to keep you informed of developments with the federal administration that could potentially affect you and our international and immigrant student base.
Update on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelan Students
On January 28, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) vacated the January 17, 2025, notice that extended TPS designation for Venezuela. As a result, the current designation for Venezuela TPS that was issued in 2023 and any associated protections and documentation for beneficiaries is set to expire on April 2, 2025.
If you are a student currently holding TPS under the 2023 designation for Venezuela:
- TPS protections and benefits for the 2023 designation will now expire on April 2, 2025.
- USCIS will no longer accept TPS re-registration applications (Form I-821) or associated Applications for Employment Authorization (Form I-765) under the Mayorkas Notice.
- For those who have already applied for TPS re-registration and paid fees, USCIS will cease processing applications and issue refunds.
- Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), Forms I-797 (Approval Notices), and Forms I-94 (Arrival/Departure Records) issued under the 2023 TPS designation with expiration dates of October 2, 2026, will be invalidated.
- Automatic EAD extensions provided under the Mayorkas Notice are now rescinded.
- Venezuelan TPS holders registered under the 2021 designation who had switched to the 2023 designation will have their 2021 registration restored.
Next steps for Affected Students:
Consult Legal Counsel: Seek advice from an immigration attorney or a recognized legal aid organization to explore your options and ensure compliance with immigration laws.
Prepare for Potential Changes: Be aware that your TPS-related protections and documentation are set to expire on April 2, 2025. Plan accordingly for your academic and personal circumstances.
For Students with TPS from Other Countries:
Students holding TPS from other countries are not impacted by this action. Your TPS status and benefits remain unchanged. We understand the uncertainty this situation may bring and are here to support you. We encourage you to stay informed about any updates related to your specific TPS designation by regularly checking official communications from USCIS.
New Executive Order to combat Anti-Semitism
On January 29, 2025, the Trump administration signed Executive Order (EO): Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism. There is also a Fact Sheet related to this order. The order enforces protections of Jewish-Americans in response to the recent campus protests in the U.S. The order has additional implications for international students and their participation in protests.
What students need to know about the EO and Fact Sheet?
- The president is requesting reports including regarding cases against or involving institutions of higher education alleging civil rights violations and antisemitism related to events, especially campus protests, post October 7, 2023.
- The reports will include recommendations for institutions of higher education to additionally monitor and report on activities by international students relevant to the Executive Order, which could include investigation or deportation/removal under the grounds for inadmissibility as described in 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(3).
- In addition to impacting international students, the fact sheet states that resident aliens who violate laws (presumably related to antisemitism) will also be subject to removal. This may refer to legal permanent residents and other U.S. residents.
What do I need to know about participating in protests as an international or immigrant student going forward?
We would like for you to know that all individuals have free speech protections under the first amendment of the U.S. constitution and may participate in lawful public protests and demonstrations. You can find a more detailed breakdown of what actions do and do not fall under the definition of free speech here: What does free speech mean?
OICS recommends understanding whether your intended participation in protests and your speech are in compliance with the free speech definitions outlined above, and assessing whether they may be interpreted as having antisemitic intent per the executive order. If you are seeking more information about implications of the types of speech you are lawfully allowed to engage in please seek an attorney with competence in first amendment rights. Keep in mind, OICS cannot provide legal assistance or advising regarding this matter.
Students are advised to use good judgement when deciding whether and how to participate in political activism or activities. Should the activities become violent or threatening in the eyes of law enforcement, your continued attendance or participation could result in a violation or arrest which could impact your immigration status and your ability to enter or remain in the U.S. Generally, there is only a risk of being arrested when actions impinge on the rights of others, individuals ignore instructions from law enforcement personnel, and/or violence is imminent.
As a reminder, any on or off campus activities that result in a violation or arrest could impact your immigration status and your ability to enter and remain in the U.S. If you are in need of legal counsel, please see our Legal Resources page.
OICS is here for you
We encourage you to review these updates carefully and contact OICS if you have questions about how these changes may impact your status or plans. You can schedule an appointment with an OICS advisor or send a message through your iComet Portal, for nonimmigrant categories.
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Warm regards,
Office of Immigrant and Citizenship Services (OICS)
The University of Texas at Dallas