Michigan State University Warns International Students Not to Leave U.S. Amid Visa Suspensions

Michigan State University (MSU) has strongly advised its more than 4,000 international students, including a large number from China, not to leave the United States amid heightened immigration restrictions under President Donald Trump's administration. This warning follows the U.S. Department of State's temporary suspension of new visa interviews for international students and scholars, aimed at expanding social media vetting and revoking visas of Chinese students, especially those with ties to the Chinese Communist Party or studying critical fields. MSU's Office for International Students and Scholars director Krista McCallum Beatty emphasized that scheduled visa appointments will proceed, but most embassies and consulates have stopped scheduling new ones, creating uncertainty around visa processing. Students currently outside the U.S. are urged to maintain close contact with their local U.S. embassy or consulate to manage their visas. The university reaffirmed its commitment to supporting its international community and monitoring federal policy changes closely, while acknowledging the significant challenges faced by these students due to these federal actions. Legal experts note the government is targeting students with any law enforcement interactions, including arrests without convictions, intensifying concerns within the international academic community.