2024 Updates
Preparing for the U.S. Government Transition in January (December 9, 2024)
Over the past few weeks, we have spoken to many in our international student community who have expressed concern about what to expect regarding the upcoming U.S. government transition occurring in January.
International students are valued members of the Emerson community and our Office of International Student Affairs (OISA) staff are committed to providing proactive and holistic support to our international students and wider community. One important support involves providing timely communication throughout this administrative change as events transpire.
Recommendation to Re-enter U.S. Prior to Start of Class and Prior to Inauguration
While many changes to U.S. legislation and regulation take time to play out, actions such as Executive Orders may be enacted quickly and have immediate effect. For this reason, we recommend that international students traveling abroad this winter — as well as international faculty and recent graduates on F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) — seriously consider returning to the United States no later than January 20, 2025, the date of the Presidential inauguration.
Boston-based students are encouraged to return to campus before the start of classes on January 13, 2025. Emerson Los Angeles students are encouraged to move onto campus during the ELA move-in times the weekend of January 18, 2025 — prior to the Inauguration, and in advance of ELA classes starting.
This recommendation is being made out of an abundance of caution and based on historical precedent, as several travel bans affecting global travelers were enacted within the first few days of the first Trump Administration in 2017. In addition, it is common for staff turnover at U.S. consulates abroad to delay the process of visa issuance following a transition in federal administration.
Additional information about preparing for travel as an international student in F-1 or J-1 status can be found on Emerson Today.
Spring Semester Support and Communication
Our priority at this time is to prepare communication channels so that we can quickly share information and offer effective support if and when changes occur that may have a direct impact on our international community.
Our spring semester support and communication plan will include:
- Posting of major immigration updates to the News and Alerts page of our website
- Daily walk-in hours for individual questions — in addition to the option of scheduled appointment times, OISA will hold daily walk-in hours to address students’ immediate questions. These are held Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 1:00–2:00 p.m. ET in person; Wednesdays and Fridays from 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET via Zoom
- New communication initiatives including tabling and brown bag sessions
- Workshops on pertinent topics including:
- International Study in the U.S: What to Expect from a Second Trump Presidency
- A History of U.S. Immigration Policy Towards LGBTQIA+ Migrants
- Immigration Options after OPT: H-1B and Alternatives for Artists and Entrepreneurs
Information related to U.S. immigration status and work permission, as well as international travel, can be found on our website. In addition, OISA’s experienced immigration advising staff are available to assist students in one-on-one advising appointments and walk-in hours.