A message from the Leadership Team on Federal Actions
April 10, 2025
Dear URI Faculty, Staff, and Students:
Many colleges across the country, including some in New England, have reported that visas of several international students have been revoked unexpectedly. We recognize that this news is unsettling to many members of our community.
URI’s Office of Global Initiatives (OGI) continues to serve as a vital resource for our community of international students and scholars. The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS), part of OGI, hosts walk-in hours, as well as scheduled appointments, to support URI community members with information regarding immigration regulations, practical matters, cultural adjustment, and making connections in the campus community.
OGI and OISS are closely monitoring any changes to federal immigration regulations and communicating directly with international students and scholars at URI. The following information is provided by OGI and OISS for broader campus awareness.
Changes to USCIS Registration Requirements for Non-Citizens
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated the registration requirements for non-citizens as part of Executive Order 14159. This includes updated conditions for non-citizens to comply with registration requirements.
Updated requirements include:
- Demonstrated evidence of registration for non-citizens.
- Requirement for non-immigrants who turn 14 while in the U.S. to “re-register” with USCIS within 30 days of their 14th birthday.
- Report address changes within 10 days of moving, with increased penalties for failure to do so.
Non-citizens who have already registered are not required to register again. Guidance on compliance with registration requirements can be found on the URI Office of Global Initiatives site at https://web.uri.edu/global/.
The guidance includes information regarding who is subject to the new requirements, what documents can be used for evidence of registration, how individuals can make sure they are in compliance, and where to find additional information about the new requirements, as well as providing a link to locate immigration counsel should you need legal advice.
Members of the URI community can contact OGI and OISS at issoff@etal.uri.edu or 401-874-2395, or through a 24/7 URI Office of Global Initiatives line at 401-874-4100.
Guidance Regarding Visits or Inquiries by Government Agents or Law Enforcement Officers
The Federal Actions Updates webpage includes a guide that outlines steps for the URI community to follow if non-URI law enforcement officials come to campus. The guidance is offered to support URI’s compliance with the law and to help support the rights of the URI community including students, faculty, and staff. You can review the “Guidance Regarding Visits or Inquiries by Government Agents or Law Enforcement Officers” here.
Federal Actions Updates Webpage
We will continue to keep the campus community informed of any developments. Information will continue to be posted on our Federal Actions Updates webpage at uri.edu/federal-actions.
We want to extend thanks and gratitude to community members across the University for your dedication and hard work. Your commitment to supporting our community and to adapting to the evolving landscape has made a profound impact. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for URI and our Rhody community.