In recent weeks, the Trump administration has escalated immigration enforcement actions against noncitizens across the country. The Secretary of State cancelled the visas of multiple individuals for the stated reason that their continued presence in the country “would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States.”
More recently, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), began terminating the SEVIS immigration records of international students who are alleged to have criminal records or whose visas have been cancelled by the Department of State. In some cases, neither students nor their schools are being notified of these terminations.
UMBC conducts daily audits of all SEVIS immigration records it manages, and will inform affected students and scholars of changes to their immigration status as quickly as possible. Any UMBC student or employee who receives a communication from the U.S. Department Homeland Security or U.S. Department of State regarding the validity of their visa or immigration status should contact the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) immediately.
Any member of the campus community who has concerns that they may be at risk of status termination or visa revocation is encouraged to speak with a qualified immigration lawyer who specializes in deportation defense. Such attorneys may be located through the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
On April 9, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin considering antisemitic activity on social media and the physical harassment of Jewish individuals as grounds for denying immigration benefit requests.
Executive Order 14159, issued on January 20, 2025, directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to require all noncitizens in the United States to register with the government, under section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. § 1302).
While this law has been on the books for many years, until now there was no formal process to comply with the rule apart from mandatory fingerprinting when applying for a visa abroad or submitting certain applications to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In addition to the registration requirement itself, noncitizens are required to carry with them proof that they have satisfied the requirement, a policy known as the “document-carry” requirement. Both the new registration requirement and the document-carry requirement are set to go into effect on Friday, April 11, 2025.
Most people in F-1, J-1, or H-1B status already met the registration requirement when they applied for their visa and for entry to the United States. Proof of compliance with the registration requirement for most individuals is the Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, which is available online for those admitted at a U.S. port of entry, or in paper form attached to the Approval Notice issued to those who filed a change of status application within the U.S.
Among those who will need to take action to meet the new registration requirement are those who last entered the U.S. before they were 14 years of age. At UMBC, this is likely limited to individuals in F-2, J-2, or H-4 dependent status, based on a parent’s principal F-1, J-1, or H-1B status. Anyone who is the parent of an F-2, J-2, or H-4 status child who is (1) under 14 years of age and (2) was not registered (or fingerprinted, if required) when applying for their visa must register within 30 days of arrival. And anyone who is the parent of an F-2, J-2, or H-4 status child who last entered the U.S. before reaching 14 years of age is now required to register their child with DHS within the 30 days following their child’s 14th birthday.
There is a helpful guide to this new requirement available here from Cornell Law School, Penn State Dickinson Law, and the President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration. Additional resources from NAFSA: Association of International Educators are available here, and a detailed write-up of the new requirements is available from Klasko Immigration Law Partners here.
In addition to meeting the registration requirement, all noncitizens in the U.S. are required to carry proof that they have done so. As noted above, for the vast majority of individuals, their I-94 Arrival/Departure Record is their official proof of compliance with the registration requirement. Individuals can and should download a copy of their most recent I-94 record as soon as they enter the U.S. after a trip abroad. In order to ensure compliance, individuals in F-1, J-1, H-1B, and other nonimmigrant statuses are required to carry a paper copy of their I-94 record with them at all times.
We recommend printing out a copy of your I-94 record from the online system and placing it in your wallet or purse so that it is always with you. In addition, individuals in F-1 status are advised to carry a copy of their Form I-20 with them, and those in J-1 status should carry a copy of their Form DS-2019 with them at all times. Lawful permanent residents (LPRs) should always carry their green card (Form I-551) with them. Additional information about the document-carry requirement is available from NAFSA here.
]]>In recent weeks, the Trump administration has escalated immigration enforcement actions against noncitizens across the country. The Secretary of State cancelled the visas of multiple individuals for the stated reason that their continued presence in the country “would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States.”
More recently, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), began terminating the SEVIS immigration records of international students who are alleged to have criminal records or whose visas have been cancelled by the Department of State. In some cases, neither students nor their schools are being notified of these terminations.
UMBC conducts daily audits of all SEVIS immigration records it manages, and will inform affected students and scholars of changes to their immigration status as quickly as possible. Any UMBC student or employee who receives a communication from the U.S. Department Homeland Security or U.S. Department of State regarding the validity of their visa or immigration status should contact the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) immediately.
Any member of the campus community who has concerns that they may be at risk of status termination or visa revocation is encouraged to speak with a qualified immigration lawyer who specializes in deportation defense. Such attorneys may be located through the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
On April 9, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin considering antisemitic activity on social media and the physical harassment of Jewish individuals as grounds for denying immigration benefit requests.
Executive Order 14159, issued on January 20, 2025, directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to require all noncitizens in the United States to register with the government, under section 262 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. § 1302).
While this law has been on the books for many years, until now there was no formal process to comply with the rule apart from mandatory fingerprinting when applying for a visa abroad or submitting certain applications to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In addition to the registration requirement itself, noncitizens are required to carry with them proof that they have satisfied the requirement, a policy known as the “document-carry” requirement. Both the new registration requirement and the document-carry requirement are set to go into effect on Friday, April 11, 2025.
Most people in F-1, J-1, or H-1B status already met the registration requirement when they applied for their visa and for entry to the United States. Proof of compliance with the registration requirement for most individuals is the Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, which is available online for those admitted at a U.S. port of entry, or in paper form attached to the Approval Notice issued to those who filed a change of status application within the U.S.
Among those who will need to take action to meet the new registration requirement are those who last entered the U.S. before they were 14 years of age. At UMBC, this is likely limited to individuals in F-2, J-2, or H-4 dependent status, based on a parent’s principal F-1, J-1, or H-1B status. Anyone who is the parent of an F-2, J-2, or H-4 status child who is (1) under 14 years of age and (2) was not registered (or fingerprinted, if required) when applying for their visa must register within 30 days of arrival. And anyone who is the parent of an F-2, J-2, or H-4 status child who last entered the U.S. before reaching 14 years of age is now required to register their child with DHS within the 30 days following their child’s 14th birthday.
There is a helpful guide to this new requirement available here from Cornell Law School, Penn State Dickinson Law, and the President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration. Additional resources from NAFSA: Association of International Educators are available here, and a detailed write-up of the new requirements is available from Klasko Immigration Law Partners here.
In addition to meeting the registration requirement, all noncitizens in the U.S. are required to carry proof that they have done so. As noted above, for the vast majority of individuals, their I-94 Arrival/Departure Record is their official proof of compliance with the registration requirement. Individuals can and should download a copy of their most recent I-94 record as soon as they enter the U.S. after a trip abroad. In order to ensure compliance, individuals in F-1, J-1, H-1B, and other nonimmigrant statuses are required to carry a paper copy of their I-94 record with them at all times.
We recommend printing out a copy of your I-94 record from the online system and placing it in your wallet or purse so that it is always with you. In addition, individuals in F-1 status are advised to carry a copy of their Form I-20 with them, and those in J-1 status should carry a copy of their Form DS-2019 with them at all times. Lawful permanent residents (LPRs) should always carry their green card (Form I-551) with them. Additional information about the document-carry requirement is available from NAFSA here.
I am a 32 years old Iranian PhD student at UMBC. I want to move out of my current place in Catonsville by the end of August, and I am looking for a roommate to search for and share a new place, someone who is respectful, clean, and values an organized living space.
What I’m Looking For:
•Location: Close to UMBC or a UMBC Transit shuttle route.
•Budget: Total rent (including utilities) not exceeding $1,400/month; aiming for about $700 each.
You may visit my website on this post.
Join us for our end of the year Celebration & Awards!
Student Belonging (formerly known as Initiatives for Identity, Inclusion, & Belonging, or i3b) in the Division of Student Affairs has hosted celebration ceremonies for Latinx, Black, and LGBTQIA+ / queer students for several years. This year, we are excited to add the Asian Cultural Celebration & Awards to the lineup. These three affinity events will honor and celebrate the achievements of UMBC's outstanding community members and graduating students.
Inaugural Asian Cultural Celebration & Awards
Thursday, May 15, 2025
5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Skylight, The Commons 3rd Floor
This celebration commemorates the achievements of graduating UMBC students while celebrating the vast cultural diversity of Asian communities and heritage on our campus. We recognize the difficulty of choosing just one identifier or term to capture the vast diversity of all people with heritage in the Asian continent, representing 49 countries and hundreds of cultures. We seek to honor the breadth of experience of people across Asia - East, South, Southwest, West, and Central Asia.
During the gathering, we’ll enjoy food together, we’ll showcase keynote speakers, student musical and dance performances, and award presentations to honor student contributions, as well as the faculty and staff who’ve contributed to their success.
Light refreshments and appetizers will be served starting at 5:30 pm for all guests in attendance.
Graduates must check in no later than 5:45 p.m. The program will begin promptly at 6 p.m.
Dress code:We encourage all attendees and graduates to dress in their "celebration best." While cap and gown are not required, we would be thrilled to see attendees embracing cultural attires.
If you would like to nominate a community member for one of our Affinity Celebration & Awards, you may nominate them here using the Awards Nomination Form or https://forms.gle/hFRQ6z3j7RNaUbvM9. You may submit multiple nominations for the same or different individuals. Please submit all nominations byApril 14th, 2025.
For those interested in attending, you will be able to RSVP soon! Save the date on your calendars! Graduates that RSVP between Monday, April 14th and Monday, April 28th at 6pm will be highlighted during the event and receive honorary graduation cords.
If you have any questions, please email Priya Bhayana, Project Manager, Global Asias Initiative at priyab@umbc.edu and Angelina R. Jenkins, Assistant Director for The Mosaic: Center for Cultural Diversity at arjenkins@umbc.edu.
This event is open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students, Alum, Office/Department/Organization, Staff, Faculty
This award is inspired by the words of Indian author and activist, Arundhati Roy, “Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing” from her book, War Talk. The recipient of this award consistently shows a dedication to social justice through activism, research, community service, and/or civic engagement on or off campus that supports Asian communities and Asian people. Through deep engagement with communities and a spirit of collaboration, uplift and care - this person works to advance the well-being and/or empowerment of Asian people. A person nominated for this award should embody the idea that service is an ongoing practice and is reflective of the needs of the community they serve. The person should have a passion for contributing to a better world that is evident to everyone around them.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students, Student Organizations
When Sandra Oh made history by being the first Asian to receive a Lead Actress Emmy nomination, she said “It's an honor just to be Asian. It is also an honor to help build community, bring your family into the work and speak up, even if your voice shakes and your heart races.” This award celebrates someone who has cultivated cultural pride on campus for Asian people and/or communities. This award recognizes someone who has actively contributed to enriching the cultural landscape, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and creating spaces for the Asian community to thrive. Through their leadership, creativity, and engagement the recipient has exemplified the spirit of cultural pride, unity, and excellence, inspiring others to embrace and appreciate the richness of Asian diasporic traditions and values.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students, Alum, Office/Department/Organization, Staff, Faculty
This award title is inspired by the concept of the “middle path” found in Buddhism and Islam. Sufi poet and Islamic scholar, Rumi, wrote that the “Middle path is the way to wisdom.” Religion and spirituality is one important way that people build community on the UMBC campus. Asia is the birthplace of many different religions, and Asian and Asian diasporic communities are home to a beautiful mix of hundreds of religions and spiritual beliefs. Whether one actively engages in these practices or not, these traditions are intricately intertwined with and influence cultural identity and belonging. This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to fostering a sense of connection on campus through spirituality or religious engagement. This award honors someone who actively creates spaces for dialogue, growth, and collaboration centered in religious, spiritual, or worldview identity values. This recipient has made a lasting impact on campus, inspiring people’s personal spiritual journeys, as well as promoting mutual respect and understanding.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students
This student award is inspired by Grace Lee Boggs, author and organizer, who wrote “Love isn’t about what we did yesterday; it’s about what we do today and tomorrow and the day after.” in her book The Next American Revolution: Sustainable Activism for the Twenty-First Century. This student leader exemplifies compassion, empathy, and unwavering dedication to fostering a positive campus environment. This individual leads with nurturing and love, seeking to create spaces where students feel supported, valued, and heard. They inspire others to lead with empathy and create meaningful relationships. This person deeply cares for the well-being of their peers and makes the campus a kinder place for all.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Faculty, Staff
The multimedia artist, singer, songwriter, and peace activist Yoko Ono said "A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." The Dream Together Award is designed to honor the outstanding contributions of a faculty or staff member who has shown unwavering support, guidance, and mentorship to students, particularly those from Asian and Asian-American backgrounds. This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated a deep commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, advocating for diversity, and inspiring growth and success through their mentorship. Through their guidance, they have cultivated resilience, empowerment, and a strong sense of cultural pride within their students.
This award is presented to a mentor who has gone above and beyond in their role—transforming challenges into opportunities, creating spaces where students can excel and feel supported, and exemplifying the true spirit of community and empowerment. Their actions have left an indelible impact on the personal and academic growth of students, helping to bridge cultural divides and celebrate the richness of the Asian cultural experience.
These awards are open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.
Who’s Eligible? Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students, Alum, Office/Department/Organization, Staff, Faculty
Award Description: This person may be Black and/or Latine/x -- identified or not, who consistently shows a dedication to serving Black/Latine/x people at UMBC, and in the greater Black/Latine/x community through their activism, research, and/or civic engagement. This person recognizes the challenges unique to Black/Latine/x people and seeks to contribute to the Black/Latine/x communities facing these challenges through their service. A person who is nominated for this award should have a passion for service that is evident to all those around them.
Who’s Eligible? Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students
Award Description: This person may be Black and/or Latine/x -- identified or not, who has made a lasting contribution to the UMBC community either through a student organization, a campus student employment position, assistantship, or extracurricular activity. This may be in service to the Black/Latine/x community, or to another community/cause. This student should be influential, inclusive, and have a strong social justice lens that promotes equity and community building. A student nominated for this award should embody the idea that service is an ongoing practice and is reflective of the needs of the community they serve.
Who’s Eligible? Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students
Award Description: This person may be Black and/or Latine/x -- identified or not, and has shown strong academic performance during the student career at UMBC either through their coursework, special projects, and/or research. Their work may be Black/Latine/x -- focused or not, and stands out among our gifted and talented UMBC students. This student has demonstrated creativity, persistence, and/or grit despite any sociopolitical or identity-based barriers. A student nominated for this award may also have served as an academic mentor or role model to their peers.
Who’s Eligible? Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students, Alum, Office/Department/Organization, Staff, Faculty
Award Description: This person may be Black and/or Latine/x -- identified or not, but has made a commitment to supporting Black/Latine/x individuals and/or initiatives on campus. This person has worked to support the Black/Latine/x community on campus in addition to their academic, co-curricular, and/or job commitments. If this person is Black/Latine/x -- identified, this person has made efforts to help Black/Latine/x individuals who hold different identities than them. If a department is nominated, then it is because everyone who works within the office has gone above and beyond to demonstrate inclusivity of everyone regardless of sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, romantic orientation, and/or gender expression.
Who’s Eligible? Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students, Alum, Staff, Faculty
Award Description: The Black/Latine/x Excellence Award is awarded to a past or current UMBC community member who has left a timeless impact on the UMBC Black/Latine/x community and who have been part of the UMBC community for at least three years. This person has gone above and beyond by demonstrating leadership in the Black/Latine/x community through demonstrating courage, compassion, partnership, and/or common courtesy. This award may go to anyone who's priceless contribution to UMBC's Black/Latine/x community echoes the celebration of diversity our institution is known for.
These awards are open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.
The link to submit nominations for awards is here! (https://forms.gle/bbeygJuLUfJVbqT4A). Nominations are due Monday 4/14!
Recognizing Extraordinary Champions for Queer Students!
Award Quantity: 1
Who’s Eligible? Faculty, staff, or campus affiliates/partners
Who Decides? Only students! You nominate, you vote, you choose the winner!
Why This Award Matters: This is the award that celebrates a true champion—someone who has consistently gone above and beyond to create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for queer students at UMBC. Whether through mentorship, advocacy, or everyday kindness, this person has made a lasting impact on our community. This is a lifetime award, meaning once you win, you’re forever a legend!
How to Nominate: In 3-4 sentences, share how this individual has positively impacted the queer student community. Tell us a story, share a memory, or highlight a moment when they made a difference.
Honoring Those Who Leave a Timeless Impact!
Award Quantity: Up to 2 (if available—1 undergraduate & 1 graduate) or 1 if awarded to a non-student
Who’s Eligible? Graduating students or faculty, staff, alumni, or campus partners
Why This Award Matters: Some people don’t just show up—they transform the world around them. The Legacy Award honors those who have made an unforgettable, lasting impact on the UMBC queer community. Whether they are a graduating student or a dedicated faculty, staff, alum, or campus partner, this award celebrates their commitment to radical love, belonging, and inclusive excellence. Their contributions have shaped UMBC’s queer community in priceless ways, and this award ensures their legacy is never forgotten.
How to Nominate: In 5-6 sentences, tell us about this person’s extraordinary impact on UMBC’s queer community. Share a story, a moment, or a memory that captures their dedication. What have they done to make a difference? How have they created a culture of inclusion and belonging? Please also list any previous Lavender Awards they’ve won.
Recognizing Rising Stars at UMBC!
Award Quantity: Up to 2 (if available—1 undergraduate & 1 graduate)
Who’s Eligible?
1st & 2nd year traditional undergraduates
1st-year transfer students
1st-year master’s students
1st & 2nd year PhD students
Why This Award Matters: Some students hit the ground running, and we see you! The New Grit Award honors students who, despite being new to UMBC, have already made a positive, lasting impact. Whether through leadership, involvement, or simply bringing energy and passion to campus life, these students are setting the stage for an incredible journey ahead.
Celebrating Those Who Stand Up and Speak Out
Award Quantity: Up to 2 (if available—1 undergraduate & 1 graduate)
Who’s Eligible? Students who embody the university’s core values of inclusive excellence and social justice
Why this Award Matters: This award recognizes those who don’t just talk about change but actively "take up the mantle"—following in the footsteps of UMBC faculty and staff who champion activism and mutual aid in Baltimore and beyond.
At the heart of this award is the belief that every act of activism matters:
All activism is needed—from grassroots organizing to global advocacy.
Small activism is activism—because even the smallest actions create waves of change.
Radical self-care is activism—sustaining yourself is part of sustaining the movement.
This award honors students who boldly stand up, speak out, and take action in any form of activism—whether through mutual aid, hyperlocal initiatives, or national and global movements. Students who have collaborated with faculty or staff in their advocacy efforts are welcome to be nominated, but no formal affiliation is required.
Honoring Those Who Make UMBC a Home for All
Award Quantity: Up to 2 (if available—1 undergraduate & 1 graduate)
Who’s Eligible? Students who embody the spirit of radical love and belonging
Why This Award Matters: Some students don’t just participate in the UMBC community—they transform it. The Radical Love & Belonging Award recognizes students who create spaces of safety, inclusion, and belonging everywhere they go. These individuals see, hear, and uplift those around them, making UMBC a place where everyone feels valued. They don’t just talk about inclusion—they live it through compassion, empowerment, and radical love.
Celebrating Students Who Elevate Queer Voices & Issues!
Award Quantity: Up to 2 (if available—1 undergraduate & 1 graduate)
Who’s Eligible? Students whose work centers queer people in some way
What Qualifies? Any effort from the past calendar year that increases queer visibility, advocacy, or well-being on or off-campus!
Why This Award Matters: Some students don’t just support the queer community—they amplify it. The Amplifier Award honors students who are actively raising awareness, advocating for queer issues, and creating meaningful change. Whether through research, leadership, activism, creative projects, or service, these students push boundaries, spark conversations, and make UMBC and beyond a better place for queer people.
Know someone making waves for the queer community? Nominate them and help us amplify their impact!
These awards are open for full participation by all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy.
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