Updates

This is where you will find relevant updates related to the Office of International Programs and Compliance.

International Programs & Compliance

[May 2026] Travel Advisory: Ebola Outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda

There is a serious Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda. The World Health Organization has declared this as a "public health emergency of international concern", and the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for both countries.

Current Situation:
  • The outbreak is centered in Ituri Province (DRC), with cases confirmed in Uganda also.
  • There are hundreds of suspected cases, and at least 80 deaths have been already reported.
  • The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, which currently seems to have no approved vaccine or targeted treatment at the present time.
Office of International Programs and Compliance (IPC) Guidance for International Students, Faculty, and Staff

The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 (Do Not Travel) advisory for Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and Uganda. Accordingly, IPC recommends the following:

  • All NMSU-related travel to DRC and Uganda should be suspended until further notice.
  • Students and faculty are strongly advised to avoid personal travel to affected areas.
  • Programs in the region may be postponed or canceled.
  • Postpone study abroad, research, or university-sponsored travel to affected areas.
  • Do not take any NMSU-owned gear, such as laptop, drivers, etc. out of the U.S. If it is absolutely necessary, you must first obtain permission from NMSU's Export Control Office before leaving the U.S.
If students, faculty, and staff are currently in affected areas:
  • Avoid healthcare settings treating Ebola unless necessary.
  • Avoid contact with anyone who is ill.
  • Practice frequent hand hygiene.
  • Monitor symptoms for 21 days after possible exposure.
Travel & Entry Implications

U.S. Government has implemented enhanced screening and travel restrictions for individuals coming from these affected regions.

Health & Safety

Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, vomiting, and in severe cases, bleeding. Anyone experiencing symptoms after travel should seek medical care immediately.

For further questions, please contact Office of International Programs and Compliance at 575-646-2834 or ISSS@nmsu.edu. 

International Student and Scholar Services

[January 2026] U.S. Immigrant Visa Processing Pause (75 countries)

The U.S. Department of State announced it will suspend (“pause”) processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, with the pause described as indefinite and set to begin Jan. 21, 2026. Reporting frames the action as part of tighter screening under the “public charge” concept—screening out applicants deemed likely to rely on U.S. public assistance.

What visas are Included and Excluded:

Included (Visa Paused):

The visa pause applies to people seeking immigrant visas, which intended for permanent residence or green-card pathways for nationals of the listed 75 countries, i.e. EB-11, EB-12, EB-13, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, EB-5, NIW, etc.. Consular posts have reportedly been instructed to halt immigrant-visa processing while vetting procedures are reassessed.

Excluded (Visa Not Paused):

The pause does not apply to non-immigrant visas including tourist and business visas, i.e. F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, TN, TD, M-1, M-2, O-1, O-2, O-3, L-1, L-2, R-1, R-2, P-1, P-2, P-3, P-4, Q-1, Q-2, V-1, V-2, H-1B, H-4, H-1C, H-2A, H-2B, H-3, B2, and B1, etc., which are reported as not subject to the suspension. (Note: excluded from the pause does not necessarily mean unchanged scrutiny or wait times.)

Countries Affected by Visa Pause

The List of 75 Affected Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Yemen.

 

Rationale of the visa pause

The pause is tied to stricter application of “public charge” screening and follows earlier guidance (reported as issued in Nov. 2025) directing more expansive vetting across factors such as applicant age, health, finances, education/skills, and potentially English proficiency. The Department’s public messaging described the goal as preventing entry

 

[December 2025] Termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopian Nationals
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has announced the termination of Ethiopia's Temporary Protected Status, citing improved conditions in Ethiopia that no longer pose a threat to the safety of returning nationals. Ethiopian nationals without a legal basis to remain in the U.S. have 60 days to voluntarily depart, with incentives such as a complimentary plane ticket, a $1,000 exit bonus, and potential future opportunities for legal immigration through the CBP Home Mobile App. After Feb. 13, 2026, Ethiopian nationals without status may face arrest and deportation, potentially forfeiting future opportunities to legally return to the United States.

Education Abroad and National Student Exchange

[September 2025] New European Union (EU) Entry/Exit System (EES) 

Starting October 12, 2025, U.S. citizens visiting the European Union should expect to have their biodata, including fingerprints and facial images, digitally collected at the borders of entry (upon arrival and departure). Travelers will also be required to complete a short questionnaire about their purpose of travel and source of funds. More information on EES is available on the EU's website. 

Passport Acceptance Facility

This is where you will find updates regarding the Passport Acceptance Facility.