Vanderbilt international students received a range of emails between Feb. 4 and April 15 from the International Student and Scholar Services regarding the current safety of international travel given recent changes to federal policy, potential dangers of having an online presence on social media and important reminders for maintaining immigrant status while in the United States. Despite the intent of these messages, some international students expressed frustration with the alleged lack of support they have felt from the ISSS.
International students each received a different number of emails from the ISSS with varying topics, but the messages all emphasized the precautions international students should be taking in coming months. These warnings were in response to the federal government’s changes to its immigration initiatives, which began on Jan. 20, after President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion.”
One email sent on Feb. 4 addressed students who were considering international travel during school breaks, encouraging them to meet with their ISSS advisor to make the most informed travel decisions. Another email, sent on Feb. 20, shared a set of reminders for international students regarding their immigration status and rights, specifically in the case that they encounter Immigration and Customs Enforcement or other law enforcement officials. The most recent email, sent on April 15, displayed a list of tips for international students to keep in mind when using social media, including avoiding sharing personal details and using offensive language and being cautious of posting about sensitive topics and following certain public groups.
In the weeks following Trump’s executive order, the federal government proceeded to cancel 1,500 international student visas across the U. S., preventing these students from legally being able to stay in the country. On April 25, the Department of Justice said they planned to restore the visas that were previously canceled, and the Trump administration announced their intentions to create a new policy for international students with visas.
Reactions to the emails
Sophomore Michael van Hoek, an international student, said he found the emails from the ISSS repetitive and unclear. Van Hoek emphasized that, while he does appreciate the efforts the office has put in to help international students, he believes more can be done.
“I do not think the ISSS is as effective as it could be,” van Hoek said in a message to The Hustler. “The emails should be more concise and have clearer subject lines so I know what I am about to read.”
In an interview with The Hustler, another international student, speaking on the condition of anonymity out of safety concerns, similarly recalled feeling that the emails were initially unhelpful. However, after having their passport stolen, the student began referencing the emails for guidance in renewing their visa.
“I was all over the place looking to understand more about all the implications of [having my passport stolen] and the steps I should take,” the student said. “I came back to [the ISSS’] emails.”
The student also noted that they did not find the emails regarding social media and international travel to be as helpful. They emphasized their belief that the directions provided in the messages were not as specific, especially in the email regarding social media — which they said provided little guidance on what was or was not safe to post.
The email specifically covered tips for avoiding scams and posting potentially incriminating information.
“Social media is generally a public space, potentially even if you have your profile set to private, and we encourage you to be mindful about what you share online,” the email reads. “Since 2019, the Department of State has required visa applicants to disclose their social media handles from the past five years. Officers may review publicly available content, including posts, group affiliations and followers.”
The student further mentioned how they felt the email was written as though Vanderbilt was encouraging international students not to speak up for themselves or express their right to free speech.
“Other students would probably not be as likely to follow what [the emails] are saying,” the student said. “The people who are usually vocal about their political opinions on the internet would not like to have their liberty of talking about a subject limited.”
Another international student, who is also speaking on the condition of anonymity due to safety concerns, described how they felt the emails were sent out much later than they should have been. They said the emails did not offer any real solutions or advocacy for the international student community during this period of uncertainty.
“When I first received the emails, I honestly felt more anxious than reassured,” the student said in a message to The Hustler. “While the reminders about staying compliant and cautious online were important, the emails felt more like warnings than real support.”
The student also said they felt these emails seemed performative, considering that Vanderbilt did not sign in support of a recent statement by the American Association of Colleges and Universities about academic freedom in protest of government interference in higher education. The student said they were disappointed Vanderbilt had not shown more support toward international students currently trying to “navigate fear [and] uncertainty.”
“At a time when student rights are under pressure, Vanderbilt is choosing not to publicly stand with its students,” the student said. “International students, especially, need a university that will actively advocate for their freedom and safety, not just issue warnings.”
Student suggestions regarding ISSS procedures
Van Hoek also discussed how the ISSS’ emails often offer information and advice that he believes every student should already know and be aware of. Because of this, he characterized the office’s support to feel like “babysitting,” rather than useful assistance.
“I understand, for some cases, we international students may need unique directives, but sometimes I feel like the emails are overkill and single us out,” van Hoek said. “By not sending these emails to everyone, it almost feels like [the office is] underestimating our intelligence and common sense.”
Van Hoek also offered a suggestion for the ISSS to make the office’s support more mentorship-oriented.
“At the end of the day, the ISSS is there to support us, and a lot of times it does. However, it could be even better,” van Hoek said. “Perhaps, [the office] should have some international student liaisons who work with them so they have a greater understanding of what we need and what we don’t need.”
The first anonymous student shared another recommendation for the ISSS and its support initiatives. They described how they would like to see the office be more passionate about forming relationships between students and staff, and to be more involved in students’ individual journeys, which they believe could be done through hosting more in-person events rather than virtual ones.
“I think the office can be more proactive, having students with them along the way instead of just being a reactive kind of office that is there to assist whenever they can,” the student said. “I think that building that community is what I would want them to be working on more.”
In a message to The Hustler, Julie Wilbers, director of the ISSS, explained how the office has worked to promote their mission of supporting international students and by providing them with the necessary tools for navigating the Vanderbilt campus. She said the emails are meant to remind international students to stay safe due to uncertainty surrounding the federal government’s changes to immigration initiatives.
“As always, we are in regular contact with our international community to provide guidance and answer questions related to a range of issues,” Wilbers said. “We want to be sure international students and scholars are receiving timely and accurate information so they can make informed decisions and understand what support is available.”
