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Changes to Immigration Policies and Their Impact on The Cooper Union Community

The immigration landscape is poised for significant changes with the new presidential administration. 

Potential Travel Restrictions 
In the wake of the inauguration, it is anticipated that a travel ban may soon be implemented. This ban may extend to nationals of countries previously affected during the Trump administration, namely Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Myanmar, Sudan, Tanzania, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen, and Somalia. Additional countries, especially China and India, may also be included in future restrictions. Individuals from countries not on this list, as well as those merely transiting through affected areas, are not expected to face travel impediments.

To ensure a smooth transition back to The Cooper Union for the upcoming semester starting January 21, 2025*, international students, faculty, and staff from the aforementioned countries are encouraged to arrive in the U.S. by or before Sunday, January 19, 2025. If this proves difficult, please discuss your plans with an advisor and be prepared for potential delays. 

*Spring semester School of Art exchange students are required to attend a mandatory welcome/onboarding luncheon on Friday, January 17.    

Travel Documentation and Entry 
Upon your arrival in the United States, be prepared to provide additional documentation to U.S. Customs and Border Protection verifying your association with The Cooper Union. It’s essential to carry all relevant immigration paperwork, including a current travel endorsement on your I-20 for F-1 students, and supporting documents explaining your purpose at Cooper, such as proof of funding and a certificate of enrollment or transcript.

If you have concerns regarding your immigration status, we recommend contacting Hala Alkasm, Director of International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) at hala.alkasm@cooper.edu or seeking guidance from an immigration attorney to explore your options. In addition, those with questions concerning support for DACA and undocumented students, should also reach out to our ISSO.

Legislative Changes and Individual Immigration Categories
Changes to visa categories, including asylum applications, Optional Practical Training, and green card processes, can only be enacted by Congress. No significant alterations in these areas are anticipated in the near future. If there are updates to policies, regulations, or laws, seeking advice from a qualified attorney or other reputable service providers is advisable.

Potential Upcoming Enforcement Actions
The president-elect has suggested mass deportation initiatives could commence shortly after taking office, primarily targeting individuals with final deportation orders. These actions are expected to face legal challenges that may prolong the process.

Stay Updated
These circumstances are subject to change as new information and policies emerge. Be sure to monitor your cooper.edu email and the ISSO webpages for the most current information and guidance.

This content is not intended to provide specific immigration advice pertaining to individual cases. For inquiries about your personal immigration status, please contact the ISSO directly at international@cooper.edu.

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.