In his first couple months as president, Trump has signed dozens of executive orders targeting immigration, with uncertain ramifications on Wellesley’s international students. In response, Slater International Center organized a webinar with immigration attorney Mary Walsh, who discussed rights, travel, and visas, on Feb. 20.

ICE Raids and Mass Deportation

Walsh asserted that while Trump has said that he wants to remove all undocumented immigrants in the next four years, this is unrealistic due to long processing time in courts. However, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids have still risen significantly, since Trump removed schools, hospitals, and churches as protected areas. 

If anyone encounters ICE, Walsh emphasized that everyone has the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer. As Wellesley’s campus is privately owned, ICE would need to have a search warrant signed by a judge to conduct a search on campus. 

Know your rights

Walsh then described that there are nuances to the First Amendment that everyone should know, especially international students. This comes amidst an executive order to cancel visas of pro-Palestinian student protesters and in anticipation of increased protests in the next four years, according to Walsh. While the First Amendment protects the right to assemble and protest, police and other government officials are allowed to place certain narrow restrictions on free speech.

Walsh said that the rights are the strongest in “traditional public” places, such as streets, sidewalks, and other public property, as long as you are not interfering with the purposes of the building. Rights become less strong on private property, such as Wellesley’s campus, where property owners set their own rules for speech.

The best way to know your rights is to carry a Red Card, which helps people assert their rights if they encounter ICE. Red Cards have been placed around Wellesley’s campus, including in the Data Lounge of the Science Center. 

Walsh specifically applied the First Amendment rights for international students who may attend the College. Even though peaceful protests are technically safe, Walsh discouraged all international students from attending them, as there is always a risk it could become violent. She instead recommended behind-the-scenes action, like volunteering or working for an organization that promotes the desired cause.

“They’re looking for every excuse to remove people from the U.S.,” said Walsh. “I hate to say this, but let the US citizens go to the protests.”

However, if an international student decides to attend a protest, Walsh recommended that they carry documents with them, such as a copy of their visa. If the police arrive, students should leave immediately. 

If students are under arrest, they have the right to:

• Ask if you are free to leave. If the officer says yes, calmly walk away.
• Ask why you are under arrest.
• Remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Never say or sign anything without a lawyer.
• Refuse a search of yourself or your belongings.

Travel & Visas

While there is not yet an explicit travel ban, Walsh suggested students take precaution in the likely chance that there is, per a previous court ruling recognizing that a president has broad authority to enact bans. Walsh suggested that travel may be risky throughout the next four years, and only recommended essential travel, especially this spring and summer break. 

A ban may be enacted after Trump’s requested report on Antisemitism in college campuses is completed, on March 20. Wellesley international students have already been taking precautions against the potential ban. 

While there is not yet a travel ban, there are already signs of embassy delays in visa issuance and processing times. Due to workforce shortages, there will likely be fewer interview waivers and longer appointment waitlists. There also may be additional screening measures, or “extreme vetting,” in countries like India and China. As such, Walsh warned against trying to get a visa in another country.

Future of Work for International Students

Although there are not yet changes to Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT), which gives international students visa extensions in the US after getting jobs, Walsh anticipated increased requests for evidence challenging this program. 

Per Project 2025, Trump Administration members wrote that “the Department of State [should] eliminate … the number of visas issued to foreign students from enemy nations.” While this is not set in stone, Walsh recommended that students keep a detailed record of what they are doing at their jobs, in case their status is called into question. 

Going forward

Throughout the event, Walsh emphasized that this was the information she knew at the time of the event, on Feb 20. 

“Things may change tomorrow,” Walsh said. “There are new changes every day.”

At the end of the webinar, a student asked Walsh how US citizens can help immigrants and international students. 

“Share information from trusted sources, volunteer, and attend protests,” said Walsh. “Citizens are the ones who should and are able to exercise that right.”