Arizona State University (ASU) has released new guidelines advising certain international students to stay in the United States until they finish their degrees, following Michigan State University.

According to ABC15 reports, the university’s International Students and Scholars Center sent out an email on June 6 strongly recommending that students currently outside the U.S. return by Monday, June 9. The message further advised students not to travel internationally again until their academic programs are finished.

The number of students who were directly affected by this recommendation is still unknown, but the action represents a major step for one of the biggest colleges in the nation in terms of enrolling overseas students. ASU is home to over 17,000 international students, a number rivaled by only a few other institutions nationwide.

The advisory is seen by many as a response to recent federal immigration actions, including a new travel ban introduced by the Trump administration. The policy places full or partial entry restrictions on nationals from nearly 20 countries.

As reported by ABC15, the warning from ASU echoes concerns previously shared informally by faculty members who had already been advising students to avoid leaving the country.

Michael Kintscher, president of the United Campus Workers of Arizona, said many students, especially those in technical and scientific fields, rely on international travel for professional requirements such as conferences or certifications. With new restrictions in place, such opportunities may now be jeopardised.

Kintscher also mentioned that the round-trip travel home for renewing visas is frequently required, introducing an additional source of uncertainty for students stuck between academic aspirations and immigration restrictions.

"Students are observing what's going on and are of great concern," Kintscher said to ABC15, noting concerns that these actions may deter future students from pursuing higher education in the U.S.

In a release, Arizona State University asserted its continued support of international students and stated that it remains closely watching the developing situation. The university stressed that its International Students and Scholars Center is still a primary destination for students facing these uncertain times.

As reported by the Higher Ed Immigration Portal, over 27,000 international students now attend Arizona schools, many of whom will probably be observing the situation with trepidation.

As immigration policies harden, institutions such as ASU are striving to offer clarity and comfort — but the eventual impact on international student mobility is uncertain.