Travel Ban & Impact on International Students

Sent on behalf of the SMC Federal Action Impact Analysis Team & SMC Senior Administration

Dear SMC Colleagues:

We wanted to provide an update on recent developments and policy changes at the federal level that has far-reaching ramifications for Santa Monica College’s current and prospective international students.

On Wednesday, June 4, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation "Restricting the entry of foreign nationals to protect the U.S. from foreign terrorists and other national security and public safety threats (opens in new window) .” This proclamation imposes a travel ban on citizens from a dozen nations (opens in new window) (seven more nations face partial restrictions) and will impact some international students who are already at SMC or had planned to pursue their educational goals here in the very near future.

The SMC International Education Center has been working to determine the full impact of this federal action, and to provide support to the students affected. If you are personally aware of any students whose status might be in jeopardy, please direct them to the International Education Center or have them reach out via email: IntlEd@smc.edu.

This is an extremely fraught and stressful time for our international students, as for many others whose identities and futures are under attack, and the College continues to stand firm in embracing the diverse, global culture that has been the backbone of what makes this institution great. 

Further Resources/Information:

• Legal Updates: As shared in prior District-wide communications, SMC’s Campus Counsel maintains a blog where real-time legal updates on various federal policies are posted. Details about the June 4 travel ban and other related developments are posted on this webpage, which is also linked at smc.edu/immigrationresponse.

  On this blog, please refer to the May 15 post: “Guidance on responding to immigration concerns from students”. It provides guidance on what SMC colleagues should do to provide students accurate assistance. Of note: because immigration law is complex, and implications can vary widely for each individual, please refer international students to the International Education Center & undocumented/other students to the Dream Resource Center. Make a note of / download the “Know Your Rights” flyer developed by the National Immigration Law Center (opens in new window) – links to the English & Spanish versions are also provided within the May 15 blog post.

• The SMC International Education Center is also maintaining a webpage with current information on travel ban(s) and advisories. Another useful resource: The Center’s travel guidance webpage. Please direct impacted students to these resources.

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We continue to remain vigilant in monitoring all developments that might impact the SMC community. Let’s stand together in these unprecedented times to safeguard the values that have been the bedrock of this college for scores of years, and in support of our students as well as one another.

–The SMC Federal Action Impact Analysis Team & SMC Senior Administration.