Supporting International Students in Crisis: A Student-First Approach During the Current Visa Crisis
As visa revocations and deportations sweep across campuses nationwide, thousands of international students find themselves suddenly facing an unimaginable situation: forced departure from their educational institutions with little notice. This rapidly evolving crisis demands an immediate and compassionate response from scholarship providers and educational support organizations.
Honoring Your Promise to Students
When you awarded a scholarship to an international student, you made more than just a financial commitment—you made a promise. Whether formal or informal, you promised to be their ally, their supporter, and their champion in their educational journey. That promise doesn't end when circumstances change. In fact, it's during times of crisis that this promise matters most.
The covenant between scholarship providers and their students is being tested like never before. How organizations respond now reveals the true depth of their commitment to the individuals they've chosen to support.
Like you, we at Students First Consulting are witnessing firsthand the devastating impact of these policy changes. Our message in this critical moment is simple but urgent: put students first and act now.
Responding to the Current Crisis: Questions Organizations Are Asking
"What happens to scholarship funds for students currently being deported or facing visa revocation?"
The answer is clear: Find ways to get those funds directly to the student immediately. If you've already allocated money to an institution but the student can no longer attend due to forced departure, request that the institution return those funds so you can redirect them to the student. If you’re holding future payments for those students, be willing to make them now to those students. Remember that these students didn't choose to leave—they're being compelled to do so by circumstances entirely beyond their control.
Recall why your scholarship exists in the first place—to support students' education and future, not institutional balance sheets.
"Can we provide funds to students who are being forced to return to their home countries?"
Yes, you can and should. While some organizations may have geographic restrictions in their funding structures, this unprecedented situation calls for exceptional measures. This is the moment to request emergency exemptions from your board, revisit those policies, and make exceptions where necessary.
Your charitable dollars are meant to support students' education. The students selected for your programs remain the same promising individuals—only their location is changing, involuntarily.
"How do we get money to students quickly during this crisis?"
Traditional payment methods may be too slow or inaccessible during urgent situations like this. Students facing deportation need immediate financial support, not promises of checks that may arrive too late. A recent post outlines recommendations for a typical emergency fund program, but for your international students who have unforeseen needs now, consider:
Use international digital payment platforms that work across borders (PayPal, Wise, Western Union) since students may soon be returning to their home countries where U.S. payment apps might not function.
Offer multiple payment options as students' banking situations may be in flux. Some may need to close U.S. bank accounts before departure, making traditional transfers impossible.
Prepare for international transfers now by setting up systems that can quickly send funds globally. This includes understanding potential fees, exchange rates, and transfer times to various countries.
Establish emergency reserves that can be distributed within 24 hours for students with imminent deportation deadlines who need immediate travel funds or legal consultation.
Consider prepaid debit cards that can be used internationally as a backup option for students whose banking access may be disrupted.
Clearly communicate transfer timelines so students can plan accordingly during this already stressful situation. Transparency about when funds will arrive helps students make critical decisions about their immediate needs.
Document alternative payment procedures for your finance team, ensuring that emergency measures don't violate institutional controls while still allowing for rapid response.
"What immediate needs should we help with for students facing deportation?"
Think both immediate and long-term:
Emergency travel expenses to return to their home country (which may be prohibitively expensive on short notice)
Temporary housing costs as students transition
Costs of transferring credits or applications to institutions in their home country
Technology needs for continuing education remotely
Legal consultation fees related to their immigration status
Storage or shipping costs for belongings they cannot take with them
Emergency funds to establish living arrangements in their home country
"How do we verify appropriate use of funds during this crisis?"
Trust your students, especially now. These are individuals already vetted through your selection process—their character hasn't changed because of this crisis. In fact, they need your trust more than ever as they navigate this traumatic disruption.
Instead of creating additional verification hurdles during this emergency, offer support and flexibility. The students receiving deportation notices are experiencing tremendous stress and uncertainty—this is the moment to reduce bureaucratic barriers, not increase them.
Taking Action: Immediate Steps for Scholarship Providers
Reach out proactively: Don't wait for affected students to contact you. Identify international students among your scholarship recipients and contact them immediately to offer support.
Create emergency protocols: Establish streamlined processes for quickly releasing funds directly to students facing visa revocation or deportation.
Simplify requirements: Suspend normal documentation requirements during this crisis. A simple attestation from the student about their situation should be sufficient.
Coordinate with institutions: Contact the schools your scholarship recipients attend to coordinate responses and ensure students don't fall through the cracks.
Offer comprehensive support: Connect students with legal resources, mental health support, and networks in their home countries.
This Is the Moment That Matters
The organizations that will be remembered and respected after this crisis are those that step up now, when students are receiving deportation notices, packing their belongings, and facing devastating uncertainty about their futures.
The real measure of your scholarship program isn't in your award amounts or prestige—it's in how you respond in this moment of crisis. These students are the reason your program exists. If ever there was a time to cut through red tape, make exceptions to policies, and go the extra mile, it is now.
Your actions in the coming days and weeks will define your organization's legacy in the lives of these students. Choose to be the organization that stood by international students when the rug was pulled out from under them.
A Call to Immediate Action
Today: Identify all international students in your program who may be affected.
Tomorrow: Contact them directly to understand their specific situations and reassure them they can discuss their circumstances confidentially with you. Many students may fear speaking openly about their visa status or needs—create a safe space for these conversations.
This week: Create and implement emergency fund disbursement protocols.
Ongoing: Advocate with educational institutions and policymakers for these students.
We're here to support you in supporting your students. Book a complimentary consultation call with our team to discuss immediate action plans or develop comprehensive strategies for supporting your international students during this crisis. We can help you navigate policy constraints, develop emergency protocols, and create student-centered solutions that honor your commitments while working within your organizational framework.
