Updates related to federal orders, policies and regulations
In January 2025, new presidential and congressional leadership began issuing memos, regulations and executive orders, including some with the potential to impact our work and community at University of Michigan-Dearborn. The implications of many of these measures are unclear and will likely depend on how they are interpreted and applied, both by agencies and, ultimately, the courts. The university will post information and resources to this page, and we ask that students, faculty and staff check back often for updates.
- Message of Reassurance and Guidance (February 3, 2025)
- (February 3, 2025)
- (January 28, 2025)
- Federal government transition (January 22, 2025)
Information by topic:
Key source documents
- HHS Memo:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on January 21 issued a pausing public communications and issuance of documents. Separately, HHS has instructed staff to suspend all work-related travel. HHS and related agencies including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have also suspended those HHS committees that are subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). This includes NIH study sections and NIH Advisory Councils.
The university is monitoring this situation closely.
Key source documents
- Executive Order:
- Executive Order:
The administration has issued executive orders regarding DEI that include a number of elements. directs the Attorney General to provide recommendations for enforcing Federal civil-rights laws and taking other appropriate measures to encourage the private sector to end illegal discrimination and preferences, including DEI.
The order attempts to classify institutions receiving federal student aid (Title IV funding) as federal subcontractors and directs the Justice and Education departments to issue guidance that identifies the measures and practices required to comply with the Students for Fair Admissions vs. Harvard University case. This guidance expands the application of the Supreme Court ruling that struck down affirmative action to areas beyond admissions.
The order also directs each agency to identify up to nine potential civil compliance investigations of organizations including publicly traded corporations, large nonprofits and institutions of higher education with endowments over 1 billion dollars.
requires federal agencies to terminate equity-related grants or contracts, and all DEI or DEIA performance requirements for employees, contractors, or grantees. Agencies are also directed to provide a listing of all Federal contractors who have provided DEI training or DEI training materials to agency or department employees, and all Federal grantees who received Federal funding to provide or advance DEI, DEIA, or environmental justice programs, services, or activities since January 20, 2021.
The university is monitoring this situation closely and working to identify any university offices or contracts that could be subject to .
Key source documents
- Executive Order:
- Executive Order:
- Executive Order:
One enhances vetting for all visa applicants, including F-1 and J-1 students, and directs the departments of State and Homeland Security to ensure that applicants do not bear hostile attitudes toward U.S. institutions. These provisions could impact visa processing times and have other implications.
A separate ends birthright citizenship, in which individuals born in the U.S. are American citizens, regardless of their parents status in the country. The order extends to individuals born to mothers lawfully but temporarily in the U.S., such as on student visas, where the father is not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. The order is being challenged and enjoined in court.
The order directs the Department of State to align all policies and programs with an America First approach, which could have implications for State Department-funded international exchange and study abroad programs.
The university is monitoring the situation. Individuals with questions should contact 蹤獲扦-Dearborn's Office of International Affairs (OIA).
Key source documents
- Executive Order:
requires the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security to review contracts, grants, and agreements between the federal government and non-governmental organizations supporting or providing services, either directly or indirectly, to removable or illegal aliens.
Separately, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a directive that rescinded a long-standing policy that identified schools, hospitals, and churches as sensitive locations and limited them from immigration enforcement actions. As a result, Immigration and Customs Enforcement will no longer treat these sensitive locations, including college campuses, any differently from other locations.
The Department of Justice has instructed federal prosecutors to pursue charges against state or local officials who attempt to thwart federal immigration enforcement efforts.
The university is monitoring the situation.
What to do if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) comes to campus:
- ICE has the right to come onto our campus
- In areas where they need a warrant to enter, one will be shown
- All faculty and staff should call public safety should any matters arise in their classrooms, labs or office
- It is important that you do not interfere with law enforcement
There have also been questions inquiring if people should carry papers (passports, green cards, etc.):
- ICE has been targeting select individuals so far
- People should continue to do what they are doing now until we learn more
Updated: February 3, 2025
Note: much of this information was created and written by 蹤獲扦-Ann Arbor. This information provides a clear overview of the issues impacting all universities, including 蹤獲扦-Dearborn. In many instances university policies and guidance encompass all three campuses. This site will continue to serve as a blended area of Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint content to inform and guide the 蹤獲扦-Dearborn campus.