The State of International Student Ministry in Today’s Political Climate

Reading the news these days, you might wonder how current US government policies affect IFI. While it is true that recent events have produced uncertainty among students with whom we work, God has allowed IFI to extend life-changing hospitality and friendship to international students out of reverence for Jesus for nearly 46 years. Those 46 years have consisted of constantly changing political and economic environments, so this is nothing new. We believe we serve the God who orchestrates the nations, and we see how he has used the changing political environments from biblical times until now for His good purposes.

Our purpose in writing this article is to inform you of some of the details of the current situation, and encourage you with opportunities to help and pray for our international friends during this time. We do not seek to take a stance on our current administration’s policies, only to respond to them with the grace God provides for all his followers when human governments and policies affect our daily lives.

The Facts:

  • US government funding was paused in February 2025 for all programs under the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. This includes Fulbright scholars and some STEM research grants that help fund many international graduate students’ studies. It is unclear if and when funding will restart.
  • Though unlikely to pass, legislation was presented in the House of Representatives this March that, if approved, would prevent Chinese students from studying in American schools due to national security concerns.
  • International students, faculty, and staff at a number of US universities have been cautioned by their colleges to avoid international travel at present because of a concern that they will not be able to get back into the US due to potential changes in re-entry requirements, visa procedures, and other travel-related delays.
  • A small number of international students who participated in pro-Palestinian protests have been detained or deported by US immigration.
  • There is the possibility that travel restrictions will be enforced for internationals coming from a list of 10 to 41 countries this April.

While some of the items listed above are not guaranteed to take effect, the potential does stir uncertainty. IFI’s ministry has not been greatly affected as of now, but we are seeing increased uncertainty among our international friends. Although we wouldn’t wish this on them, we do see the opportunity to show the love of God in the midst of uncertainty as a blessing. This situation is not unlike our experience as we walked through the ramifications of COVID19 alongside international students. Unique times call for reliance on God for creativity and wisdom in ministry. We saw Him provide in 2020 and we trust Him to show us how to reach out in hospitality and friendship again!

How to be present for your international friends during this time:

  • Ask them how they are genuinely doing. Being a listening ear can mean more than you think!
  • Pray for them, and let them know you are praying for them! International students are generally blessed by this, even if they come from a different religious background.
  • Be aware that there may be an increased opportunity for short or long term housing. As some research scholars wait to see what happens with their funding, you may find some students requesting financial help. One way to address this is by offering to help them find housing with you or an IFI friend. It may be more doable for us to help by providing housing in a time of need than to provide money for rent. (IFI does not provide financial assistance to international students.)
  • Ask the Lord what He would have you do. Remember that you are not tasked with carrying the burden of a friend’s entire provision. Only God can do that. We are only asked to obey what He asks us to do at any given moment.

If you have any further questions, please reach out to us. It is a blessing to serve alongside you in every season of ministry!

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Resources

IFI has had several trainings for staff recently for helping students through mental health trials. If you would find them helpful, you can access them below!