The email, which is also available online, told students currently outside of the country who require a visa to "remain in close contact with the U.S. embassy or consulate handling your case."

The letter also stated that previously planned visa interviews will still be held, but most embassies and consulates have halted scheduling new appointments. 

"Please know that MSU remains strongly committed to our international Spartan community," the email read. "We will continue to welcome students and scholars from around the world, and we will advocate policies that support your presence and success."

The email comes in response to the Trump administration’s recent efforts to revoke visas specifically issued to Chinese students.

In a statement to The State News, MSU spokesperson Amber McCann said the university is monitoring the situation.

"The university is closely monitoring recent federal policy changes and updates concerning international students and scholars, including the pause on new visa interviews and proposed visa restrictions for students from China," McCann wrote. "We are evaluating the potential implications of these changes and will continue to communicate directly with our international student community to provide guidance and support."

Veronica Thronson, clinical professor of law and director of the Immigration Law Clinic, said the government has been specifically targeting students who have had any interaction with law enforcement — even in cases without a conviction. This includes individuals who have been arrested and entered into the system, such as through fingerprinting.

If denied entry, students who hold valid visas and have all their paperwork in order may return to their home country and reapply for a new visa. However, because the government is not required to disclose the reason for denial, the reapplication process can be significantly more challenging.

Possible reasons for denial range from perceived insufficient financial support to flagged social media activity or suspicions that a student intends to remain in the U.S. after their academic program ends. 

Regarding cases where students were denied entry over their political speech, Thronson emphasized that international students should exercise caution even at peaceful protests. "You need to be careful because you don’t know who’s watching," she said, noting that photos taken at such events could later be used by the government to justify revoking a student’s status by alleging they were disruptive to police or resisted arrest.

McCann also reaffirmed that international education remains integral to MSU’s identity as a global institution:

"International education and exchange are fundamental to Michigan State University’s identity as a leading public global research university. We will continue to advocate for policies that enable us to welcome international students and scholars from around the world and promote global engagement."