April 8, 2025

Dear Members of Our Campus Community,

In recent days, the federal government has begun terminating the F-1 visa records of international students across the nation with no advance notice. F-1 visas allow international students to study in the U.S. and, in certain cases, to work for a limited time during or after their academic programs on Optional Practical Training (OPT). Some of our UC Santa Barbara students and recent graduates on OPT have been affected, and we are actively reaching out to provide them with support and resources. A broader message on immigration updates has been sent to all students.

We understand that these developments may cause significant concern and anxiety for many members of our UC Santa Barbara community, especially for our international students, staff, and faculty. We reiterate our strong support for all of our international students. As UC Office of the President said in a recent statement: the University of California is committed to doing what we can to support all members of our community as they exercise their rights under the law. In doing that, the University will continue to follow all applicable state and federal laws.

We embrace our international students and scholars as essential to making UC Santa Barbara a global crossroads of knowledge, and one of the leading public universities in the world. Your contributions enrich our campus community, and we are proud to have you as part of our university family.

We encourage our international students to engage with the Office of International Students & Scholars (OISS) for assistance and guidance. We also recommend that everyone review the University of California's "Know Your Rights" card, which outlines your legal protections and provides information in case of interactions with law enforcement. This University of California FAQ also offers additional information and guidance. Students who are faced with the prospect of interrupting their studies should consult with their College advising office to determine what academic options are available to them.

At UC Santa Barbara, we are committed to fostering an environment where all members of our community feel safe, valued, and supported. We are closely tracking these federal actions, and will continue to advocate for the well-being of our students, faculty, and staff at every level of government.

Sincerely,

Henry T. Yang
Chancellor