Below is a recent update regarding a revised visa interview policy.  Additionally, Attorney Tom Arkell is suggesting that individuals not travel, especially individuals from countries who were previously subject to the "travel ban", until April because of President Trump's January 20, 2025, Executive Order: 

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/protecting-the-united-states-from-foreign-terrorists-and-othernational-security-and-public-safety-threats/ 

The new Executive Order requires a report, within 60 days, regarding the partial or full suspension of the admission of nationals of countries deemed to have insufficient vetting and screening.  

Previous countries subject to the travel ban were Chad, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen.  

A new travel ban could cause individuals to be stranded abroad, visa delays and new visa requirements. 

Revised Visa Interview Waiver Policy 

In a February 18, 2025 Interview Waiver Update the Department of State announced changes to its policies on eligibility for waivers of the in-person visa interview requirement. The update rescinds prior expansions of interview waiver authority, for example, reinstating the statutory 12-month post-expiration period for applicants who previously held a visa in the same category. This marks a shift from the previous policy, which allowed interview waivers for applicants whose prior visa had expired within the past 48 months.

2025 Federal Administration Transition Updates & Resources 

ospa.siu.edu/2025-federal-administration-transition-information.php 

DPS Information Regarding Immigration Assistance 

police.siu.edu/faq/ 

We understand that recent news may be unsettling, and we want to reassure you that our office is here to support you. While we do not wish to cause alarm, we are sharing the following guidance to help you stay informed, prepared, and protected during this time.

We encourage you to take the following precautions:

• Carry photocopies of your immigration documents with you at all times, including:
  • Form I-20 or DS-2019
  • Passport
  • U.S. visa
  • I-94 record
• Carry proof of current enrollment at SIU, such as a class schedule from Saluki Net or enrollment verification
• Keep records of all U.S. residences where you have lived
• Ensure your contact information is up to date, including your local U.S. address and phone number in Saluki Net
• Update your emergency contacts (both inside and outside the U.S.) with SIU, so we have the most accurate information in case of emergency
• Use caution on social media and be mindful of how posts may be perceived, especially when discussing sensitive topics
• Exercise discretion when participating in political demonstrations or protests — while peaceful protest is a right, such activity can sometimes be misinterpreted and may carry risks to your immigration status
• Due to recent reports of visa revocations, we strongly recommend that you closely monitor the email address you used when applying for your U.S. student visa. The U.S. Department of State may send important communications to that account
• Maintain your immigration status and abide by all U.S. laws

If you are planning international travel, please proceed with caution. We advise against international travel unless necessary. Travel abroad may carry risks that could impact your ability to return to the U.S., particularly as international students are facing increased scrutiny at ports of entry. In addition, international travel may be affected by sudden travel bans or policy changes, which could prevent reentry into the U.S. for an unknown period of time.

If you must travel internationally:

• Ensure that all immigration documents are valid and unexpired
• Complete the ISSS Travel Form
• Obtain a travel signature on your Form I-20 or DS-2019
• Carry your original immigration documents (not just photocopies) while traveling
• Carry proof of enrollment
• Carry proof of financial resources

If you would like to discuss your travel plans, please email us at isss@siu.edu.

We also encourage you to explore the SIU Community of Care initiative, which offers a wide range of support resources for students navigating difficult or uncertain times:
 https://siu.edu/community-of-care/

International Support Group

Beginning Wednesday, April 2, the International Support Group will meet weekly from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the Center for International Education (CIE) office. Meetings will take place every week when classes are in session. This group provides a safe and supportive space for international students to discuss challenges, concerns, and experiences with others.

• Group support for international students to discuss their challenges and concerns in a safe setting.
• Discussions are facilitated by a CAPS member to ensure that participants receive equal opportunities and
  respect.
• The facilitator understands the unique needs of international students who are facing uncertainty, hardships, stress and adjustment.

Additional Resources

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

• Know Your Rights
• Immigrants’ Rights
• What to Do If Stopped by Police or ICE – Video
• Know Your Rights: Immigration Enforcement and Warrants – ACLU of Northern California

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

• Know Your Rights if ICE Visits (in English, Haitian Creole, Chinese, Arabic, Spanish and Portuguese)

Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)

• Red Cards for Asserting Your Rights

National Immigration Law Center (NILC)

• Know Your Rights: What to Do If You Are Arrested or Detained by Immigration

NPR Report

• NPR Report: What Are Noncitizens’ Rights if Confronted by Law Enforcement

If you have questions or would like to discuss your specific situation, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We are here for you and will continue to closely monitor the situation and share updates as more information becomes available from reliable sources. Your safety, well-being, and ability to pursue your education remain our top priorities.

Sincerely,

TINA SICKINGER, PDSO/RO
Director of International Student & Scholar Services

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
MAIL CODE 4333
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
425 CLOCKTOWER DR RM 38
CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS 62901

tschiff@siu.edu
P: 618.453.4559

Dear fellow Salukis: 
 
Southern Illinois University Carbondale remains dedicated to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all members of our community and embraces the diversity that exists here. We understand the current national situation regarding immigration status and impacts on students and colleagues on our campus and across the nation may be causing uncertainty or stress. We want to ensure you are aware of the resources and support available to you during these times. 
 
Below, you will find key resources available through our employee assistance programs (EAP) to help navigate these ongoing changes. Additionally, you may also find the SIU Community of Care website to be a valuable resource. 
 
EAP Key Resources Available: 

Coaching: Available by telephone or video, coaching can help with managing stress, improving relationships, parenting, sleep, and other personal challenges. 

Financial Services: One free 60-minute consultation with financial experts to discuss topics such as budgeting, debt consolidation, loans, retirement, and more. 

Legal Services: One free 60-minute consultation with an attorney on any legal matter, plus discounts for additional services. 

Personal Counseling: Up to three confidential counseling sessions at no cost for you and your family members. 

Web-based Confidential Care: Self-paced online programs to support mental health, including resources for managing depression, anxiety, sleep problems, substance abuse, and more. 

How to Contact the EAP: 

There are two separate employee assistance programs for active employees: 

Employees not represented by AFSCME 31 – Services are handled through the ComPsych. You can contact it at 833-955-3400 / 800-697-0353 (TDD/TTY) or by going to ComPsych and registering for an account (the organization Web ID Code is State of Illinois). Getting help is easy, convenient, and available 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week. 

Employees Represented by AFSCME Council 31 – Services are handled through the Personal Support Program (PSP-AFSCME EAP).  You can contact it at 800-647-8776 (statewide) / 800-526-0844 (TDD/TTY) from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. To learn more information regarding these services, you can also visit Personal Support Program (PSP). 

We encourage you to take full advantage of these resources to support your well-being. Thank you for your continued dedication and hard work. We truly value each of you as part of our community and are here to support you. 

Sincerely, 
 
Human Resources 

Dear APLU Members,

As you are aware, late on Friday, April 14, 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced it would cut critical groundbreaking energy-related research by imposing a 15% rate on Facilities and Administrative (F&A) reimbursements on new grants to colleges and universities. The agency also said it would terminate all existing grants that do not conform with the new policy.

Given the gravity of the situation, with very urgent but careful consideration, and with approval of the APLU Executive Committee of the Board, the association decided to again join the Association of American Universities (AAU) and American Council on Education (ACE) in litigation challenging the administration’s F&A action. The associations are joined by nine universities as plaintiffs, including several APLU member institutions. You will recall the three associations are also plaintiffs challenging action relative to the National Institutes of Health that has led to a nationwide injunction, though the administration has filed a motion to appeal.

The DOE action represents an immediate and dire threat to research nationwide that is needed to enhance groundbreaking scientific discoveries; support and advance key emerging technologies such as quantum science and artificial intelligence; ensure our national security; build, operate, and maintain world-class scientific facilities; advance energy technologies required for the nation to achieve energy dominance; and maintain the highly-skilled science and technology workforce that is essential for the United States to compete globally. It also presents an immediate and significant financial challenge for APLU’s members who rely on these promised reimbursements to carry out this research on behalf of the American people. Importantly, DOE’s action also sets a very dangerous precedent that could be used to undermine federal investments in research at all other federal research agencies.

The complaint and a motion for a temporary restraining order were filed today in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts. Though the arguments will be somewhat different than in the NIH case given differences in statutory language, the associations will defend its member interests with no less vigor. You can read the joint Statement from the Association of American Universities, Association of Public & Land-grant Universities, and American Council on Education Regarding our Legal Challenge to DOE’s action here.

As I am sure you can appreciate, APLU did not reach this decision lightly. We do not wish to ever have to file legal action, let alone against the federal government. Yet, this is now the second time in two months in which we are compelled to do so given the significance of the U.S. government’s actions and adverse impacts to member institutions and the nation.

Critically, while this lawsuit is focused on DOE, we are cognizant that if not blocked, additional federal research agencies could take similar action.

While APLU and partner associations defend our members’ interests in court, we also continue to support efforts to improve the indirect costs funding model and engage lawmakers on the vital importance of F&A. We firmly believe this process should be given time to achieve its goals and policymakers should give more thoughtful consideration to F&A approaches rather than slashing indirect rates.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. Thank you.

Mark

As you know, the joint lawsuit by ACE, the Association of American Universities (AAU), the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), and a number of individual institutions challenging the Trump administration’s decision in February to slash and cap at 15 percent the indirect cost rate for National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants has achieved a permanent nationwide injunction imposed earlier this month by a federal judge in Boston.

This was an important win for our institutions (though the administration has filed an appeal in that case) and the critical research they perform that drives so much of the country’s health, security, and innovation. But the administration continues to pursue this course of action, and that is why I am writing to you today in this special edition of President to President while Congress is in recess. 

Late Friday, at 5 pm ET and on Passover weekend, the administration announced it will again attempt to slash funding critical to American research. This time, it declared that the Department of Energy (DOE) would limit facilities and administrative (F&A) reimbursements—the indirect cost rate—to 15 percent for all DOE research grants to colleges and universities.

In response, today we filed a new lawsuit in partnership with AAU, APLU and a number of research universities, again in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. As we noted in a joint statement with AAU and APLU, the DOE indirect rate cut would have an immediate and dire impact on critical energy research nationwide. It also sets a very dangerous precedent that could be used to undermine federal investments in research at many other federal agencies. Click here for more information about both the NIH and DOE lawsuits.

F&A costs, of course, are the real and necessary expenses—such as constructing and maintaining labs, utilities, and insurance—of conducting the groundbreaking research that has led to so many advances over the past decades that position the United States as a global scientific leader and improves the lives of our nation’s citizens, as we also noted in our statement. Slashing the F&A rate for DOE research grants would be a cut to groundbreaking American energy research at more than 300 colleges and universities nationwide that currently provide the breakthroughs building our nation’s energy independence and security, while also innovating new energy technologies that boost American manufacturing and our global economic competitiveness. It would be, quite simply, a self-inflicted wound and a gift to potential competitors and potential adversaries like China. 

As a story in Inside Higher Ed noted, while direct costs of research projects cover easily quantifiable expenses for a particular grant project, such as researcher salaries, the indirect cost rates help to cover costs “that cannot be identified or tracked to a single activity, project, job, contract or costs that apply to more than one project,” such as space rental, utilities, and clerical and managerial staff salaries, according to 2023 DOE guidance.

If this cut is permitted to remain in effect, it will irreparably harm the research our institutions do, Americans’ interests in the outcomes of that research, and local economic activity. This research includes projects that further America’s national security, advance defense technologies, support domestic industries, and promote energy independence. It drives economic activity across the country and advances American competitiveness by improving energy solutions. The facilities, infrastructure, and staff supporting this research that are paid for as indirect costs are essential to the continuation of this research.

In our lawsuit seeking to halt the DOE research funding cut, we note that besides its destructive impact on research and training, this new action by the government again runs afoul of the longstanding regulatory frameworks governing federal grants and foundational principles of administrative law. 

“This suit challenges a flagrantly unlawful action by the Department of Energy ('DOE')—slashing 'indirect cost rates' for government-funded research—that is a virtual carbon copy of the National Institutes of Health ('NIH') policy that a district court has permanently enjoined, after previously granting a prompt temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction,” the lawsuit states.

Judicial relief is amply justified and urgently needed to stop an action that is ill-conceived and self-defeating for the American businesses, workers, and families who benefit from these scientific and technological advances, as well as the nation as a whole. We look forward to presenting our case in court. 

As you will recall, we also are taking proactive steps to address the indirect cost rate issue in addition to the legal challenges to the administration’s improper actions. ACE and other organizations in the research and higher education community have announced a new project to develop a new model for funding indirect research costs. We think that this dual approach—defending the research enterprise in the courts while also working to modernize policy—is essential to safeguarding the partnership between the federal government and the research community. 

I will continue to update you as we work together to challenge actions that threaten to undermine the vital research enterprise.