Dear UMBC Community,
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently issued a final rule that changes how long certain international students, exchange visitors, and their dependents may remain in the United States.
Please note that there is a strong possibility that litigation or congressional review could pause, delay, or limit the implementation of the policy described in this message. DHS has also acknowledged that implementation of certain components of the new rule could be delayed for up to two years if implementation “is infeasible for any reason.” We will continue to keep the campus community informed as new information emerges.
Please remember that each individual’s circumstances are different, and this communication is provided for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. If you have specific questions and hold F, H, or J immigration status, please contact the Center for Global Engagement (CGE). If you have specific questions and hold another immigration status, please consult with a private immigration attorney.
New DHS Rule Limits Stay for International Students and Exchange Visitors
On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a final rule titled “Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media.”
This rule, which goes into effect on September 15, 2026, officially ends a decades-old framework known as “duration of status” (D/S) under which international students and exchange visitors were allowed to remain lawfully in the United States for an open-ended period, provided they maintained full-time enrollment and made normal progress toward their academic goals. Under the new rule, international students and scholars will be provided with a firm, fixed date by which they must complete their educational objectives or request approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for an extension of stay (EOS).
This change will require certain international students and scholars who need additional time to complete their academic objectives to file extension-of-stay applications with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Prior to this shift, such extensions could be processed by university officials.
Important Transitional Rules for Current F-1 Students and J-1 Exchange Visitors
The rule includes special transitional provisions for F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors who are physically present in the United States when the new rule takes effect on September 15. The admission period of such individuals will remain valid through the program end date listed on their current Form I-20 or DS-2019, or for a maximum of four years from the effective date of the rule (September 15, 2030), whichever comes first. However, individuals who travel outside of the United States after September 15, 2026, will receive a strict, fixed “Admit Until Date” capped at a maximum of four years upon reentering through a U.S. port of entry.
Additional Considerations and Implications for Our UMBC Community
While this new rule represents a major overhaul of the immigration regulations governing the authorized stay of international students and scholars in the U.S., the advising team in CGE remains committed to supporting all impacted members of our campus community.
Over the next few weeks, our advising team will participate in in-depth training related to the new regulations. We will also organize information sessions for campus community members and work with campus partners to update online resources and workflows to align with the new requirements. We ask all impacted international students, exchange visitors, and academic advisors to note the following:
How We Are Responding: CGE is actively tracking developments related to this new rule, including potential litigation and DHS implementation delays. We are also working to update our administrative systems, train our compliance staff, and develop informational resources for campus partners. Impacted international students and exchange visitors will be invited to information sessions, and we are planning outreach to academic advisors, program directors, and other campus stakeholders.
Familiarize Yourself with the New Rule: A much more detailed version of this communication describing technical components of the new rule was sent directly to F-1 international students and J-1 exchange visitors. That message is also posted on CGE’s Immigration Policy Updates page. We strongly recommend that all F-1 international students, J-1 exchange visitors, academic advisors, and program directors review this message.
Assess Program Trajectory Now: Because normal academic setbacks, such as needing to retake a failed course, may no longer justify an immigration extension, proactive academic advising is more critical than ever. Faculty and academic departments must work closely with international students to ensure they stay on track toward graduation. Similarly, students and exchange visitors who already know that they will require an extension request to complete their academic objectives are strongly advised to consult with an advisor in the Center for Global Engagement before the new rule takes effect.
We appreciate your patience as we work through the changes imposed by the new rule.
Contact
If you have any questions related to the updates shared in this message, please contact CGE’s Office of International Students & Scholars. Additional information and resources related to immigration and other federal policy updates will be made available on our dedicated institutional updates page.
Sincerely,
David L. Di Maria
Vice Provost for Global Engagement
Dear UMBC Community,
We write to you today on behalf of the Federal Orders and Actions Core Team to update you on some recent federal government actions and how they will or may impact UMBC.
OMB Proposed Regulation for Federal Assistance
On May 29, 2026, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposed the Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance to substantially revise the federal grants framework. OMB’s proposed “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” is the most significant update to the Uniform Guidance in decades, impacting over $60 billion in federal research and social assistance programs, such as Medicaid and FEMA. The proposed rule expands executive branch authority and incorporates several executive orders—including restrictions on DEI and gender-affirming care funding.
The 320-plus proposed revisions to the Uniform Guidance would fundamentally alter the awarding and monitoring of federal grants. For higher education and research institutions, these changes threaten to increase administrative and compliance burdens, shift more costs to recipients, and expand institutional liability. Ultimately, these revisions risk slowing the pace of U.S. scientific discovery and innovation.
The significant changes in this proposal were highlighted in a three-page joint statement recently issued by the Association of American Universities (AAU), the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities Council on Research (APLU-COR), and the Council on Government Relations (COGR).
The proposed rules are prompting coordinated responses nationwide. We are in regular contact with colleagues across the University System of Maryland (USM) regarding these proposed changes and are discussing options for an institutional response in coordination with other USM institutions to inform our federal congressional delegation of the potential impact should these proposed regulations become law.
The proposal is currently open for public comment through July 13, 2026, with a stated intent for the regulation to become effective October 1, 2026. We are also actively reviewing the proposed revisions, monitoring updates from AAU, and contributing to and benefitting from the national conversation through APLU-COR and COGR.
We will continue to update you as the situation with this proposed rule evolves.
Update on USCIS Adjudicative Hold on Applications and $100,000 H1-B Policy
There have been developments in two federal policy court cases as outlined below.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Adjudicative Hold on Applications for Certain Immigration Benefits Struck Down by District Court
On January 1, 2026, USCIS issued an updated policy memorandum, expanding on its December 2, 2025, memorandum, directing USCIS personnel to place a hold on all pending immigration benefit applications submitted by nationals of countries and territories included in the Trump administration’s travel ban. It also called for a review of previously approved applications.
On June 5, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island issued a memorandum and order declaring the USCIS Global Asylum Hold Policy, the Comprehensive Re-Review Policy, and the Country-Specific Factors Policy unlawful.
On June 12, 2026, USCIS confirmed that it would follow the terms of the court’s order pending possible further judicial review.
The Trump administration has indicated that it intends to appeal the court’s decision, but unless and until that happens, UMBC students, faculty, and staff from travel ban countries and territories should no longer be subject to adjudicative holds or reviews of approvals previously made by USCIS.
$100,000 H-1B Fee Policy Vacated by District Court, However Vacate Order is Temporarily Paused to Allow an Appeal
Last September, President Trump issued a proclamation, “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers,” requiring employers to make payment of a $100,000 government fee per each individual H-1B employee seeking to enter the United States, unless an exception is granted. In response, the State of Maryland joined a coalition of 19 other states in suing over this policy. UMBC filed a declaration supporting this multi-state suit.
On June 8, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts ruled that the $100,000 fee created a tax for which the president did not have the authority to impose. However, on June 12, 2026, the district court temporarily paused its order vacating that fee because the government is requesting an appeal. The district court has given the government until June 18, 2026, to file its appeal. If the government does not file their appeal by that deadline, the lower court’s vacate order will be reinstated.
While the vacate order is paused, USCIS is permitted to require the $100,000 fee for petitions that are filed for or require consular processing.
We recognize that the unpredictability of federal rulemaking and policy can be distressing for members of our UMBC community. Please be assured that we are doing everything we can to stay ahead of the shifting landscape and communicate to our community about what we are doing in response. We appreciate your partnership and understanding as our campus community navigates the current environment.
Regards,
Karl V. Steiner
Vice President for Research and Creative Achievement and Chief Research Officer
David L. Di Maria
Vice Provost for Global Engagement
Dear Colleagues,
I am writing to update you regarding recent changes to federal immigration and visa policies.
Please remember that each individual’s circumstances are different, and this communication is provided for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. If you have specific questions and hold F-1, H-1B, or J-1 immigration status, please contact the Center for Global Engagement. If you have specific questions and hold another immigration status, including legal permanent residency, please consult with a private immigration attorney. As a reminder, UMBC employees have access to free consultations with qualified attorneys via the Employee Assistance Program.
1. Major Change to the Green Card Application Process
On May 21, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy memorandum reminding its officers and the public that adjustment of status to permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) is a matter of discretion and administrative grace and is not designed to supersede regular consular processing of immigrant visas. The new guidance highlights that the adjustment of status process is a grant of “extraordinary relief” from consular processing.
Please note that the memo issued on May 21, 2026, applies specifically to the filing of adjustment of status to permanent residence and does not affect the earlier steps in the green card process, whether self-petitioned or employer-sponsored.
The final step in the permanent residence process is completed by filing Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). The preliminary stages may still be prepared and filed while the beneficiary is physically present in the United States.
If you are sponsored by UMBC, the preliminary stages may include the Prevailing Wage Determination (Form ETA-9141), the PERM labor certification process (Form ETA-9089), and the immigrant petition (Form I-140). These steps can be completed while you remain in the U.S.
If you are self-petitioning, please continue to communicate with your personal immigration counsel so they can best advise you on your particular case.
What Changed?
Foreign nationals living in the U.S., such as employees holding H-1B visas, have historically been able to complete their entire green card application without leaving the country. This new policy does not prohibit foreign nationals from applying for adjustment of status from within the U.S. nor does it remove the ability of USCIS officers to approve these petitions. It does, however, place renewed emphasis on consular processing outside of the U.S.
The New Standard (“Consular Processing”): Certain applicants will be required to travel outside the U.S. to interview and receive their green card at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in another country.
Applying from Within the U.S. is Still Possible: While it is still technically possible to apply for adjustment of status without leaving the U.S., it is no longer the default route. The memo places the burden of proof on applicants to prove that their petition is both extraordinary and highly deserving.
Stricter Screening: USCIS officers have been formally instructed to be much tougher when reviewing these inside-the-U.S. requests. They will review all positive and negative factors, including family ties, immigration status and history, moral character, and any other factor deemed relevant for determining whether the applicant warrants a favorable exercise of discretion.
What Does This Mean for UMBC International Employees and Their Departments?
If your department is sponsoring an employee for a green card, or if you are an employee currently in the process of applying or planning to apply for adjustment of status, please note the following:
It is Still Very Early: Over the coming days and weeks, we anticipate that USCIS will release greater detail on how this policy will be implemented. Additionally, there could be litigation that pauses or limits the effect of the policy.
Plan for Travel: Both the employee and their department should factor international travel into scheduling plans. The availability of visa appointments and consular processing times varies significantly from country to country, so it is possible that some employees may be delayed abroad.
You Still Have Support: The Center for Global Engagement (CGE) and UMBC’s authorized outside immigration counsel, Fragomen, will continue to help departments and employees navigate the steps for adjustment of status. We will provide further updates once it becomes clearer how this new policy will impact adjustment of status applications going forward. If you are an employee who self-petitioned for adjustment of status, please reach out to your personal immigration counsel. If you are an employee for whom UMBC sponsored your adjustment of status petition, please contact Diane Zeenny Ghorayeb at dianezg@umbc.edu.
2. Arrival Restrictions Related to Ebola
Because of the recent Ebola outbreak, the U.S. Government has implemented new travel restrictions for anyone arriving from, or who was otherwise present in, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan, or Uganda.
If you are planning to travel internationally, please be aware that entry and exit restrictions for the U.S. and other countries can change without warning.
Who is Restricted from Entering the U.S.?
The CDC has temporarily banned entry into the U.S. for anyone who has traveled from—or even just passed through—the DRC, South Sudan, or Uganda within the last 21 days.
Foreign Nationals: A 30-day ban is currently in effect for foreign nationals (starting May 18, 2026).
Green Card Holders: Starting May 27, 2026, this travel ban will be officially extended to include Legal Permanent Residents, also known as Green Card holders.
Note: The government may choose to extend these bans beyond the initial 30-day window.
Mandatory Flight Rerouting
As a precaution, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is requiring any flight carrying passengers who have recently been in the DRC, South Sudan, or Uganda to land only at designated airports, which currently include Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) in Atlanta, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Virginia.
What University Employees Need to Do
The Center for Global Engagement (CGE) is monitoring these Ebola-related travel restrictions very closely.
If you are traveling abroad on university business, you must follow these steps:
Get Pre-Approval: All international business trips must be approved ahead of time using Concur and the International Travel Registry.
Register Your Full Itinerary: If you are mixing personal vacation time with your business trip, you must include your entire itinerary in the system. This ensures UMBC knows where you are and can alert or assist you if borders suddenly close or emergencies arise. If your trip is solely a personal vacation with no university business, then you should not register it with UMBC.
If you have any questions related to the updates shared in this message, please contact CGE’s Office of International Students & Scholars.
Additional information and resources related to immigration and other federal policy updates are available on UMBC’s Federal Orders and Actions Page.
Sincerely,
David L. Di Maria
Vice Provost for Global Engagement
Dear UMBC Community,
We write today to share key information and reminders as the semester winds down. Thank you for your questions and feedback throughout the academic year as we worked to keep you informed about U.S. government orders and policy actions.
END OF ACADEMIC YEAR AND SUMMER TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONS
We recognize that many members of our community may have travel plans that include travel outside of the United States. We understand that travel is a personal decision, and we are writing today to equip you with information to help guide your planning.
General Guidance
Before traveling abroad, make certain that your passport and any required visas or other authorizations are valid for the destination(s) you intend to visit as well as for reentry into the United States. For more information on entry and exit requirements, please consult the Embassy or Consulate of the country to which you intend to travel or transit through.
U.S. Visas
Anyone applying for a new visa at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy should be prepared for the possibility of enhanced screening and/or processing delays.
If you are planning to travel abroad and will require a new visa in order to reenter the United States, it is strongly recommended that you secure your visa appointment in advance to ensure there is time for processing before you intend to return to the United States. In addition to expanded screening and vetting of online presence, visa applicants should also be aware that the Washington Post recently reported that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed consular officers to ask all nonimmigrant visa applicants two new questions:
“Have you experienced harm or mistreatment in your country of nationality or last habitual residence?” and
“Do you fear harm or mistreatment in returning to your country of nationality or permanent residence?”
If you have any questions about whether you need a new visa to reenter the United States, please contact the Center for Global Engagement at 410-455-2831.
Travel Bans
President Trump’s proclamations 10949 and 10988, which established nationality-based full and partial travel bans, are still in effect. These proclamations include entry restrictions for certain immigrants and nonimmigrants from 39 countries and individuals traveling with Palestinian Authority-issued documents.
We strongly encourage you not to travel internationally if you are impacted by one of these bans as doing so could result in an inability to return to the United States while the bans are in effect. The list of countries subject to either the full or partial travel ban can be found here.
Duration of Status
The U.S. government is planning to change how long international students and exchange visitors can stay in the country. The proposed rule will affect F-1 international students and J-1 exchange students and scholars.
What are the proposed changes?
The current rule (flexible): Right now, most international students (F visas), exchange visitors (J visas), and foreign media (I visas) are allowed to stay in the U.S. for as long as it takes to finish their academic programs or research. This is known as “duration of status.”
The new rule (strict time limits): The government wants to replace this flexible system with a fixed time limit. Under the new rule, impacted individuals would generally be allowed to stay for a maximum of four years.
Needing more time: If a student or researcher needs more than four years to finish their objectives due to a change in their major, unexpected research delays, etc., they will have to formally apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for permission to extend their stay.
Cap on intensive English study: Students primarily studying English as a second language will be capped at 24 months.
Prohibition on lateral or reverse matriculation: F-1 visa holders will be prohibited from pursuing a program at the same or lower educational level than one already completed.
Shorter grace period: F-1 students are currently allowed a grace period of 60 days following completion of their studies or training to prepare for departure, change status, or file for an extension. The new rule would shorten this period to 30 days.
Why mention a proposed rule now?
While this rule is not yet official, it is moving forward quickly. When it goes into effect after it is entered into the Federal Register, we will notify our community. In the meantime, we want to ensure international students and researchers are prepared for two main reasons:
It is close to becoming final: On May 5, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security submitted the final draft of this rule for government review. This is one of the very last steps before a new rule becomes official.
It could impact summer travelers: The rule is expected to take effect this summer. If it does, any affected international student or researcher who travels abroad and returns to the U.S. after the effective date will be placed on the new, strict timeline rather than the current, flexible one.
FOR FACULTY: IMPACT OF EXECUTIVE ORDERS AND FEDERAL ACTIONS ON PROMOTION AND TENURE REVIEWS
Faculty Affairs has shared “Updates on Impact of Executive Orders and Federal Actions on Promotion and Tenure Reviews,” with guidelines for the AY 2026 – 27 promotion cycle. We wanted to ensure that all potentially impacted faculty members have reviewed this information.
In summary, modified promotion and tenure protocols for the AY 26 – 27 cycle remain in effect. These protocols address the impact of federal actions—including changes to research funding and DEIA initiatives—on faculty research, teaching, and service. This guidance will be integrated into all levels of the promotion and tenure review process, from department deliberations to the provost’s annual instructions.
RESEARCH AND CREATIVE ACHIEVEMENT
National Science Foundation (NSF)
On April 24, 2026, the Trump administration fired all 22 members of the National Science Board (NSB), the independent body overseeing the $9 billion National Science Foundation. We actively continue to monitor the impacts of this and many other federal actions on a continuing basis and will update the UMBC community as we learn more about potential impacts of upcoming federal changes.
REMINDERS ABOUT RESOURCES
Federal immigration enforcement cards, published in English and Spanish, are available in offices and divisions across campus, including the Center for Global Engagement and the Mosaic Center. The card and related FAQs are available on our Federal Orders and Actions website.
The Office of General Counsel has provided a guide for supervisors and employees regarding U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) site visits. These visits verify information in employment-based visa petitions (like H-1B) and may involve reviewing documents, inspecting workspaces, or interviewing staff. It is important to note that these are fact-finding visits, not ICE enforcement operations. Please consult the guide for instructions on handling a USCIS visit.
Finally, the Latin Hispanic Faculty Association (LHFA) recently shared requests for additional protocols and guidance related to federal immigration enforcement. The university administration is working with the LHFA to develop additional guidance and resources that will be made available to our community when ready.
We will continue to monitor developments and serve as a resource throughout the summer. We wish every member of the UMBC community a safe, enjoyable, and peaceful summer.
Regards,
The UMBC Federal Orders and Actions Core Team
Valerie Sheares Ashby, President
Manfred H. M. van Dulmen, Provost and Senior Vice President, Academic Affairs
Tanyka M. Barber, Vice President, Institutional Equity and Chief Diversity Officer
Kacey Hammel, Chief of Staff to the President
Renique T. Kersh, Vice President, Student Affairs
Paul A. Meggett, Vice President and General Counsel
D. Paul Monteiro, Vice President, Government Relations and Community Affairs
Karl V. Steiner, Vice President, Research and Creative Achievement
Lisa K. Van Riper, Vice President, University Communications and Marketing
David L. Di Maria, Vice Provost, Global Engagement
Yvette Mozie-Ross ’88, Vice Provost, Enrollment Management and Planning
Ana Oskoz, Vice Provost, Faculty Affairs
Dear UMBC Community,
We write to you today to share the following updates and reminders.
We distributed federal immigration enforcement cards across campus. The card and related FAQs are available on our Federal Orders and Actions website. The cards have been printed in English and Spanish and have been distributed to locations such as the Center for Global Engagement and the Mosaic Center.
The Office of General Counsel created a guide for supervisors and employees whose departments may be visited by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The purpose of these visits is to verify information in certain employment-based visa petitions, such as those supporting H-1B employees. The USCIS immigration officers may take photographs of the workspace, review documents, speak with the sponsored employee, and interview other personnel to confirm the employee’s work location, hours, duties, etc. It is important to note that these are fact-finding visits, not ICE enforcement operations. Please refer to the guide for instructions on what to do if your department is visited by a USCIS immigration officer.
David Di Maria, vice provost for global engagement, shared an email, “Responding to International Incidents,” on Friday, March 6. The email details how UMBC monitors and responds to international incidents and the resources provided to our community. We encourage you to review this email to be aware of how UMBC supports our community during these times.
Finally, here is an update on our Division of Research and Creative Achievement grants and budget for this year:
As of February 12, 2026, nine previously canceled federal awards have been reinstated.
Our total impact following the reinstatements remains a loss of approximately $14 million, which represents about 4 percent of UMBC’s annual federally funded research portfolio.
Research expenditures totaled $151 million in FY24 and $185.8 million in FY25. We anticipate that FY26 (closing September 30, 2026) will not exceed FY25’s total but will remain consistent with FY24, the year with the second-highest level of research expenditures in UMBC’s history.
If you have any questions about this information, please reach out to a member of the Federal Orders and Actions Team.
Thank you.
Regards,
The UMBC Federal Orders and Actions Core Team
Valerie Sheares Ashby, President
Manfred H. M. van Dulmen, Provost and Senior Vice President, Academic Affairs
Tanyka M. Barber, Vice President, Institutional Equity and Chief Diversity Officer
Kacey Hammel, Chief of Staff to the President
Renique T. Kersh, Vice President, Student Affairs
Paul A. Meggett, Vice President and General Counsel
D. Paul Monteiro, Vice President, Government Relations and Community Affairs
Karl V. Steiner, Vice President, Research and Creative Achievement
Lisa K. Van Riper, Vice President, University Communications and Marketing
David L. Di Maria, Vice Provost, Global Engagement
Yvette Mozie-Ross ’88, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and Planning
Ana Oskoz, Vice Provost, Faculty Affairs
Per UMBC’s International Travel Policy, all university-affiliated international travel must be registered with the university. This ensures that staff in the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) receive automated notifications when UMBC travelers are impacted by incidents classified by our insurance provider, risk intelligence company, or the U.S. Department of State as high or extreme risk. Additionally, we manually consult the International Travel Registry to confirm students, faculty, and staff currently located in or scheduled to transit through the impacted region.
Dear Campus Community,
I am writing to update you regarding four recent changes to federal immigration and visa policies. Each of these changes is summarized in bold, with details underneath, followed by campus guidance.
Please remember that each individual’s circumstances are different, and this communication is provided for informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. If you have specific questions and hold F, H, or J immigration status, please contact the Center for Global Engagement. If you have specific questions and hold another immigration status, please consult with a private immigration attorney.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) expands adjudicative hold and intensifies review of applications for certain immigration benefits
On January 1, 2026, USCIS issued an updated policy memorandum, expanding on its December 2, 2025, memorandum, directing USCIS personnel to perform the following actions:
Place a hold on all pending benefit applications for aliens listed in Presidential Proclamation (PP) 10998, Restricting and Limiting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States, pending a comprehensive review, regardless of entry date;
Conduct a comprehensive review of all policies, procedures, and screening and vetting processes for benefit requests for aliens from countries listed in PP 10998; and
Conduct a comprehensive re-review of approved benefit requests implicated in PP 10998 that were approved on or after January 20, 2021.
Based on the above actions, students and employees who utilized Palestinian Authority-issued travel documents or listed a PP 10998 named country as their country of birth or citizenship on certain immigration benefit applications will be subject to a re-review of benefits eligibility and admissibility, including a potential interview or re-interview. The January memorandum expands, but does not replace, the policy outlined in the December memo. The expanded policy specifically:
Extends adjudicative holds to the additional countries designated under PP 10998.
Clarifies that the hold applies to individuals based on country of birth, nationality, certain citizenship-by-investment scenarios, and Palestinian-Authority-issued travel documents.
Communicates that “USCIS will place an adjudicative hold on all pending benefit requests submitted by or for aliens from the high-risk countries identified in PP 10998, allowing for a thorough case-by-case review. This hold will remain in effect until lifted or modified by the USCIS Director through a subsequent memorandum or memorandum attachment. Any requests to lift the hold due to litigation or other extraordinary circumstances must receive approval from the USCIS Director or Deputy Director.”
Establishes very limited exceptions to the adjudicative hold for certain benefit types (e.g., some I-765 categories, I-90, N-600), subject to strict coordination requirements.
Explicitly states that it does not supersede the December 2 memorandum, except where it creates enumerated exceptions.
Exceptions to the adjudication hold include:
Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Green Card);
Form N-565, Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document;
Form N-600, Application for Certificate of Citizenship (“Except Yemen and Somalia”);
Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization filed under the (c)(8) [pending asylum], limited (c)(11) (parolees), and limited (c)(14) (deferred action) categories;
Form I-910, Application for Civil Surgeon Designation (only for physicians that are citizens or nationals of the United States);
Benefit requests filed by any alien who is an athlete or member of an athletic team, including the coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives for the purpose of participating in the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State;
Benefit requests that are a priority for law enforcement and where ICE has requested USCIS take adjudicative action to uphold public safety or national security;
Benefit requests filed by aliens whose entry would serve a United States national interest;
Benefit requests, as well as the associated underlying benefits, for any programs that are terminated or discontinued as a result of an Executive Order, Proclamation, Federal Register Notice, or Directive issued by the President, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or the USCIS Director; and
Automatic termination decisions for ancillary or related benefit requests when an alien is granted Legal Permanent Resident status or becomes a naturalized citizen.
Notably, there is no exception for immigration benefits commonly used in higher education, such as a Form I-765 filed for Optional Practical Training, a Form I-539 filed to change to nonimmigrant student status, or a Form I-129 filed by an H-1B petitioner requesting extension of an H-1B employee’s stay. Furthermore, on December 5, 2025, USCIS posted on its “X” account, “…all final decisions for asylum have been shut down, we’ve paused adjudication of immigrant and non-immigrant benefits for any alien from the 19 countries of concern, and we will review all existing green cards that were granted in the last 5 years.”
Campus Guidance:
Citizens of the countries listed in PP 10998 should be aware that their immigration benefits approved on or after January 20, 2021, may be subject to renewed scrutiny. As a result, USCIS may require additional documentation, biometrics, interviews or re-interviews.
Affected individuals should expect delayed processing and increased scrutiny of their immigration benefit requests. While petitions may still be submitted, they will be processed by USCIS up to the final adjudication stage, at which point they will stall until the adjudicative hold is lifted. A “final adjudication” refers to the issuance of a final decision on a case, such as an approval, denial, or dismissal.
USCIS announces increased premium processing fees
On January 12, 2026, USCIS published a final rule in the Federal Register announcing increases to premium processing fees effective March 01, 2026.
Premium processing is a service whereby DHS provides expedited processing of eligible immigration benefit requests in exchange for an additional fee. This service is necessary for certain students and employees who require certain time-sensitive immigration benefit requests to be processed by a specific date in order to study or work at UMBC.
Below is a summary of premium processing fee increases that are most likely to impact our UMBC community. For a full listing of the fee increases, please refer to the published final rule.
Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-3, L-1A, L-1B, LZ, O-1, O-2, P-1, P-1S, P-2, P-2S, P-3, P-3S, Q-1, TN-1, and TN-2): The fee will increase from $2,805 to $2,965
Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker (E11, E12): Increases from $2,805 to $2,965
Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (requests for change of status to F-1, F-2, J-1 or J-2): Increases from $1,965 to $2,075
Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training or STEM Optional Practical Training): Increases from $1,685 to $1,780
Campus Guidance:
In order to avoid having to pay the additional fee, students and employees who know they will require premium processing should ensure their time-sensitive immigration benefit petitions are postmarked prior to March 1, 2026.
Please note that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) recently implemented operational changes meant to consolidate its processing network under the Delivering for America (DFA) plan. One such change could result in a postmark date being applied to a piece of mail days after USPS first receives the mail from a customer. According to advice issued by USPS, “customers who want a postmark aligning with the date on which the Postal Service first accepted possession of their mailpiece may request, for no additional fee, a manual (local) postmark at any Post Office, station, or branch when tendering their mailpiece.”
Students, employees, and hiring departments should budget for the additional expense required for premium processing requests postmarked on or after March 1, 2026.
U.S. Department of State added 25 more countries to the visa bond list
On January 8, 2026, the Department of State expanded the list of countries whose nationals are subject to visa bonds. As outlined in a temporary final rule published in the Federal Register on August 5, 2025, the Visa Bond Pilot Program requires covered individuals applying for visas as temporary visitors for business or pleasure (B-1/B-2) to post a bond of up to $15,000 as a condition of visa issuance. This pilot program runs from August 20, 2025 through August 5, 2026.
Bonds are only required from individuals applying for a visitor visa (B-1/B-2) with a passport issued by one of the countries listed in the notice.
Campus Guidance:
Family members and friends of UMBC students and employees wishing to visit them in the United States should confirm whether or not they are subject to the Visa Bond Pilot Program.
Individuals subject to the Visa Bond Pilot Program should contact the U.S. Consulate or Embassy where they plan to apply for a visa to inquire about the actual bond fee.
U.S. Department of State pauses immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries effective January 21, 2026
On January 14, 2026, the Department of State announced that, effective January 21, 2026, it is pausing all visa issuances to immigrant visa applicants who are nationals of the following countries:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen
This pause only applies to immigrant visas. It does not apply to non-immigrant visas, such as those issued to H-1B employees, J-1 exchange visitors, and F-1 students.
Campus Guidance:
Individuals who have questions or concerns about the pause on immigrant visa processing for individuals from the listed countries should consult with a private immigration attorney.
Resources
UMBC’s Employee Assistance Program provides employees with access to free confidential counseling and connections to attorneys who can help with a variety of issues, including immigration concerns.
The Office of International Students and Scholars is available to consult on immigration-related travel issues for individuals holding F-1, H-1B, and J-1 immigration status.
Individuals in other immigration statuses may contact a private immigration attorney.
UMBC’s Center for Global Engagement is committed to providing comprehensive support to all international students and scholars. If you have further questions about these immigration policy updates, please reach out to our team by visiting our contact page.
Additional information and resources related to immigration and other federal policy updates are available on UMBC’s Federal Orders and Actions Page.
Sincerely
David L. Di Maria
Vice Provost for Global Engagement
Dear Campus Community,
I am writing to update you on recent travel restrictions that affect certain members of our campus community.
The information contained in this communication is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. If you have specific legal questions about your own immigration status, please seek assistance from a private immigration attorney.
On December 16, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation that expands upon the June 4, 2025 list of countries subject to a “full” or “partial” suspension of entry to the United States. This proclamation expands entry restrictions to include certain immigrants and nonimmigrants from 39 countries and individuals traveling with Palestinian Authority-issued documents. The new entry restrictions go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 01, 2026.
Full Suspension of Entry
A “full” suspension constitutes a restriction on entry into the United States as immigrants and as nonimmigrants with limited exceptions for:
Any lawful permanent resident of the United States;
Any dual national of a country on the above list when the individual is traveling on a passport issued by a country not so designated;
Any foreign national traveling with a valid nonimmigrant visa in the following classifications: A‑1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1, NATO‑2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6;
Any athlete or member of an athletic team, including the coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the Secretary of State;
Special Immigrant Visas for United States Government employees under 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)(D); and
Immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran.
Countries (additions in italics) subject to the “full” suspension include:
Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burma, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Mali, Niger, Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
A full suspension was also announced for individuals using travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority.
Partial Suspension of Entry
A “partial” suspension constitutes a restriction on entry into the United States as immigrants and as nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas with the same limited exceptions as are provided for the “full” suspension. Other categories of nonimmigrant visas are not currently subject to the “partial” suspension.
Countries (additions in italics) subject to a “partial” suspension include:
Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burundi, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Entry Restrictions on Nationals of Turkmenistan to be Amended
The current partial ban on nonimmigrants from Turkmenistan will be lifted. The ban will be lifted for nonimmigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M and J visas. However, the entry into the United States of nationals of Turkmenistan as immigrants remains suspended.
Applicability:
According to a White House Fact Sheet, the new proclamation only applies to foreign nationals of the designated countries who:
Do not meet one of the limited exceptions previously mentioned;
are outside of the United States on January 01, 2026; and
do not have a valid visa on January 01, 2026.
Impact:
During the fall 2025 semester, 160 UMBC students were citizens of one of the designated countries. An additional 30 students who were admitted and already confirmed their intent to enroll at UMBC for the spring 2026 semester may no longer be able to join our campus community due to the expanded travel restrictions.
Guidance:
Nationals of the designated countries should fully understand how this proclamation applies to their individual circumstances before planning travel outside of the United States.
Individuals holding active F, H, or J immigration status should contact the Center for Global Engagement prior to planning international travel.
Individuals in other immigration statuses should contact a private immigration attorney prior to planning international travel.
Individuals who are considering changing their current immigration status should consult with a private immigration attorney about how the proclamation may impact their future intended status.
Support:
The Center for Global Engagement is actively reaching out to international students, employees and visiting scholars (F, H and J nonimmigrants) from the designated countries regarding the expanded travel ban. These individuals will also be invited to attend one of two closed virtual information sessions scheduled for Friday, December 19, 2025.
The Center for Global Engagement will continue to monitor White House, U.S. Department of State and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services communications for any updates on this proclamation. Please feel free to contact our Office of International Students and Scholars if you have any questions, concerns, or if you simply want to talk with an advisor. We are here to support you.
Please check your email regularly and refer to our Immigration Policy Updates pagefor announcements regarding future updates to immigration and visa policies. Additionally, we recommend reaching out to a private immigration attorney if you have specific legal concerns.
Additional information and resources related to immigration and other federal policy updates are available on UMBC’s Federal Orders and Actions Page.
David L. Di Maria
Vice Provost for Global Engagement