Responding to pressures on higher education in the United States

 

Scholars at Risk is aware that US higher education is experiencing unprecedented pressures on university admissions, hiring, research and teaching content, departmental structures, policies on speech, disciplinary policies and sanctions, and finances. We are also aware that many international scholars and students may be concerned about their situation in the United States. We know from history and our work that such pressures are intended to trigger fear and isolation in order to secure acquiescence. We also know that the most effective way to defend higher education is to resist these impulses by working together, sharing information, and standing up for core higher education values and our shared commitment to them.

To that end, we are sharing information below on opportunities to get involved in SAR’s response to the situation in the US and have identified a collection of useful resources for scholars, students, and others seeking support on topics related to US visas and immigration. This page will be regularly updated as more opportunities and resources become available.

Frequently asked questions

How is SAR responding to the situation in the US?

  • SAR is actively surveying US members, partners, academics, and funders about impacts and possible responses.
  • SAR is providing advice to member institutions in the US, particularly around immigration and visa concerns on behalf of international scholars.
  • SAR is supporting international scholars who are based in, or are coming to, the US, as they navigate visa uncertainties and plan next steps.
  • SAR continues to report on attacks on the higher education community in the US via the Academic Freedom Monitoring Project, incidents which are featured in the Free to Think 2025 report.
  • In March 2025, SAR began issuing a bi-monthly US Bulletin, augmenting SAR’s long-standing Academic Freedom Media Review by compiling relevant US-focused media, public writings, events, and SAR updates.
  • On October 9-10, 2025, SAR hosted the US Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference at New York University, which featured reflections on responses to attacks on higher education in both the US and worldwide, the launch of SAR’s Free to Think 2025 report, and most notably, the launch of SAR’s 25th Anniversary year themed “Truth Matters.”
  • SAR is co-coordinating a new Emergency Defense of US Universities (EDU) Coalition. EDU is a voluntary, nongovernmental, nonpartisan, nonprofit group of US-based individuals and organizations committed to upholding the core values of quality, evidence-based, inclusive higher education.

How do I get involved in SAR’s US response efforts?

  • Sign up for SAR’s US Bulletin, a compilation of relevant US-focused media, public writings, events, and updates.
  • Confirm if your institution is a member of our network.
  • Join the SAR network. Membership is open to accredited higher education institutions and associations worldwide.
  • Host a scholar. Write to hostingatSAR@nyu.edu to indicate your institution’s interest and capacity to host a threatened scholar. SAR is working with members to create placements for a number of international scholars already in the US.
  • Report a US incident to the Academic Freedom Monitoring Project by emailing sarmonitoring@nyu.edu. Or contribute to the Project by organizing a legal clinic on your campus.
  • Fill out a general interest form to (1) indicate interest in receiving messages concerning the EDU coalition, including links to information-sharing calls; (2) suggest other persons or groups that should be invited to participate; and (3) to share comments, suggestions, or resources.

I represent a US higher education institution seeking to host a SAR scholar. Is it prudent to do so right now?

We understand that the current landscape of visas and immigration in the US is changing rapidly. SAR is monitoring the situation closely and offering support and advice to scholars and member institutions as questions arise. While we are continuing our efforts to create positions for international scholars at institutions in the US, we are also supporting a significant number of international scholars already in the US who are in need of new university placements to continue their academic work. These scholars have already been granted a US visa and have work authorization required to take up an offered position. If you would like to learn more about hosting a SAR scholar, reach out to hostingatSAR@nyu.edu.

Is SAR creating placements for US academics, given the challenges being faced by US academia at present?

In our nearly 25-year history, SAR has monitored academic freedom concerns and supported at-risk scholars worldwide. In light of this experience, SAR sees that US-based scholars generally are not experiencing extreme violence or physical coercion like many scholars in conflict zones such as Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza, for example, or authoritarian regimes like China, Russia, Iran, Afghanistan, etc. At the same time, SAR recognizes an increase in state and nonstate pressure on higher education communities in the US. Some disciplines and areas of research and teaching have been targeted for elimination with externally imposed budget cuts, threatened investigations or retaliations, and public harassment. In these circumstances, every institution, every scholar, and every student is in some sense at risk of not being able to pursue their research, teaching, or studies without interference or interruption. However, SAR generally does not offer placement assistance to US nationals or permanent residents. This is because we offer our most intensive support—temporary relocation and placement—to scholars who do not have permanent legal status in a safe location, whether in their existing country or a third country, and who are facing the most severe threats globally.

I’m a scholar or student looking for advice on US immigration and/or visas. What resources exist?

SAR has compiled the below resources for scholars and students. As new resources become available, they will be added to this list.

Visas and Immigration

Legal Support

Digital Security

Additional Resources for Researchers

Scholars at Risk assumes no responsibility for the content of the websites listed in the above. Last updated on December 2, 2025.

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