Universities across the U.S. are reacting differently to immigration enforcement targeting international students. Tufts University defended a student detained after criticizing U.S. support for Israel.

Johns Hopkins and others issued cautionary guidance but avoided public support. Columbia University took a harsher stance, disciplining pro-Palestine students. Over 300 student visas were revoked after criticism of Israel, according to Secretary Marco Rubio.

Some students and staff feel universities aren't doing enough. At Yale, a professor is leaving the U.S. in protest. Critics argue that schools are failing to protect First Amendment rights. Fear continues to grow among international students and faculty.

Portugal denied entry to 1,400 Brazilians in 2024, a sharp rise from 179 in 2023. This marks a 721% increase. Most were refused due to invalid visas or lack of travel justification.

Still, Brazilians remain largely unaffected by Portugal's tighter immigration rules. Under the CPLP mobility agreement, they can enter as tourists and apply for residency. Brazil leads in foreign residents in Portugal, with over 150,000.

In 2023, Portugal granted 147,262 residence permits to Brazilians. Job-seeking visa requests from Brazil also rose by over 200% in 2024. Despite entry denials, Brazil's interest in Portugal remains high and steady.

Alberta has raised its worker stream application fees under the AAIP from $840 to $1,500, effective April 1, 2025. The Farm Stream fee has also increased to $3,500. Reissuance of nomination certificates now costs $150.

Alberta also withdrew from the federal open work permit policy. It ended invitations through the Family Connection and Occupation in Demand Pathway, but still awards points for family ties.

Starting on April 1, AAIP has accepted the PTE Core language test. Other tests are still valid. Due to federal policy changes, Alberta's 2025 nomination allocation was cut to 4,875, down from 9,750 in 2024.

USCIS will now recognize only two sexes—male and female—on immigration forms. This reverses a Biden-era policy allowing an “X” gender marker. The decision follows an executive order stating sex is immutable and determined at birth.

Applicants must use the sex listed on their birth certificate. If a nonbinary marker exists, USCIS may require secondary evidence. Forms with an “X” may be updated with a different marker.

This change may cause delays for some applicants. The policy applies to all pending and future applications starting April 2, 2025. USCIS says the move aligns with national security and biological reality.

Japan has launched joint kiosks at major airports to speed up immigration. Kansai and Haneda's Terminal 2 started using them on April 1, 2025. Haneda's Terminal 3 follows on April 11, and Narita's Terminal 3 on April 7.

These kiosks reduce wait times by 20 minutes. Japanese travelers can use them seamlessly. Foreign visitors must submit personal details on the Visit Japan Web six hours before arrival.

The process includes passport and QR code scans, fingerprinting, and facial photography. Japan also offers an eVisa for eligible travelers. Over 71 countries, including the U.S. and Singapore, have visa exemptions with Japan.

A BBC investigation exposed immigration scammers selling fake UK care jobs. Undercover footage revealed agents charging fees for bogus job offers and using fake payroll schemes.

Scams have increased since the UK expanded the Health and Care Worker visa in 2022. The Home Office will introduce stricter rules from April 9, 2025, prioritizing care workers already in England. More raids and compliance checks are planned.

Visa applicants should avoid paying large fees, report fraud to Action Fraud, and seek advice from regulated immigration advisors. The UK government has launched awareness campaigns to help protect foreign workers from scams.