By Matthew Falletich
As the Trump administration pushes forward with sweeping immigration reforms, international
students at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) are facing uncertainty over how
the changes might affect their academic futures in the United States.
The proposed policies, which include tighter visa regulations and increased scrutiny on student
visa holders, have raised alarms across higher education institutions. It affects UIW directly, as
the university has a total of 391 students from 68 nations, or 7.35% of the main campus
population according to the Spring 2025 Census Report, that attend the university.
“The well-being of our international students is our top priority,” said Jose Martinez, director of
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at UIW, in an emailed statement. “Our ISSS
advisors are committed to supporting them as they navigate their academic journey while
maintaining their immigration record.”
Among the most pressing concerns are potential restrictions on F-1 and J-1 visa holders,
categories that encompass the vast majority of international students and exchange visitors.
Recent proposals floated by the Trump administration suggest new limitations on the duration of
stay, increased reporting requirements, and a potential rollback of post-graduation work
opportunities such as Optional Practical Training (OPT).
These drastic proposals by the administration could significantly halt students’ ability to
complete required internships and the job experiences that they need in their studies, as well as
the chances to have long-lasting careers in the United States after they graduate from their
university.
“Many of us came here not only to learn but to apply our skills in real-world environments after
we graduate,” said an international student here at UIW, who wished to remain anonymous for
this story out of fear of potential deportation and revoking of their student visa due to the policies
of the administration. “If that opportunity is taken away, it changes everything — not just for me,
but for many students making decisions about where to study.”
Martinez did clarify that UIW is going to continue supporting all of its international students as
uncertainty continues to cast a shadow across the campus.
“We are in communication with university legal counsel and committed to work with various
campus partners to ensure students have access to the resources they need,” he said. “In any
event where we are working with external agencies, we remain dedicated to working with
established protocols while prioritizing student support.”
The uncertainty students feel is coming at a time when U.S. universities are also facing potential
loss of federal funding due to disagreements from the Trump administration. Harvard University
recently had $2 billion dollars of federal funding frozen by President Trump due to not agreeing
to demands for ‘fairer hiring policies’.
UIW has continued to expand its international outreach, offering support not only on its main
San Antonio campus but through the universities’ global campuses like those that are located in
Mexico and France. Martinez stated that international students should try to schedule
appointments with ISSS advisors to receive personalized guidance based on their visa status and
individual circumstances.
“If students maintaining F-1 and J-1 visas have concerns, we encourage them to make an
appointment with an ISSS advisor so we can provide appropriate assistance,” Martinez said.
“I’ve had friends who are considering dropping out from the university,” said our anonymous
student. “We can’t do what we want outside of the classes because anything can be considered
disqualifying of our visas.”
There have been legal challenges to deportations and the revoking of student visas, with the main
subject being former Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil, which resulted in an immigration judge
ruling that the administration had the right to detain Khalil under the law.
As UIW prepares for the upcoming academic year, Martinez said the university remains
committed to its international community.
“The international community at UIW is a valued part of our campus,” he said. “We will
continue to stand by our students and ensure they have access to the resources and guidance they
need to thrive.”
