UNIVERSITY PARK, PA. — An executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump suspending certain visas through the end of the year may affect international scholars at Penn State, according to the University’s Office of Global Programs.
On June 22, Trump signed an executive order temporarily suspending certain visa types, including H1-B, H2-B, H-4, J-1, and L-1 visas, until the end of the year. Visa holders already in the United States and applicants who are outside of the United State and have already received a visa are exempt from the ban.
Penn State, aligned with the Association of American Universities (AAU) and the Association of Public & Land-grant Universities (APLU) remains committed to international scholars who are part of our community today, and to those who we hope will be in the future; to fostering a diverse and inclusive community; and to creating an environment where global engagement and leadership is supported.
“While this restriction may only impact the Penn State community minimally, we understand that this could have deeper consequences for other universities and of course, for those requiring these types of visas,” said Roger Brindley, vice provost for Global Programs. “We at Penn State remain dedicated to bringing the best and brightest faculty and scholars from around the world to our campuses and are hopeful that we will not see any further restrictions.”
Many H1-B and J-1 visas recipients are highly skilled professionals in the STEM fields and help to foster innovation in competitive areas of quickly developing research, and in the development of new technologies. Additionally, and in conjunction with current travel restrictions, this will likely require some teaching faculty scheduled to present classes in-person this fall to do so virtually.
Each year, Penn State welcomes 1,500+ international scholars, promoting the exchange of ideas, cultural values, and collaborative intellectual and research efforts. Penn State typically has about 300 faculty and researchers employed in H-1B status per year, and of that, 85-100 are new faculty and researchers; there are a few dependents of H-1B visa holders, who on their own may temporarily be eligible to apply for work authorization based on their H-4 visas; and between 5 and to 15 J-1 intern visas.
For additional information and immigration guidance, contact the Directorate of International Faculty Advising at FacultyAdvising@psu.edu.