New When Everything Feels Unsteady, Do This

You may have seen the headlines.

Last weekend, protests erupted in Los Angeles over immigration enforcement policies tied to the Trump administration. Violence followed. Vandalism. And according to officials, 148 people were arrested in California alone.

But this wasn’t just something I saw on the news.
It hit home—literally.

The chaos started at a Home Depot just two miles from my house.

Before I knew what was happening, I heard helicopters circling overhead.

I could feel the tension in the air.

Not from a screen. Not through a tweet. From my front yard.

And once I found out what it was, one thought hit me hard:

International students must be terrified.

Because beyond the protests and headlines, there’s something even more sobering:

▶️ The Trump administration is ramping up deportation efforts.
▶️ Immigration officers are actively arresting individuals without legal status.
▶️ The policies are expanding. And enforcement is becoming more visible.

Now, more than ever, you need to stay safe.

So what are international students supposed to do right now?

Visas are being revoked.
Appointments are getting delayed.
The rules seem to change every week.

And the sand feels like it’s shifting under your feet.

So let me tell you what I tell my students in moments like this:

Do the next right thing.

It’s not a magic solution. It won’t stop headlines from happening.
But it will give you something solid to stand on when everything else feels unstable.

Return to the basics:

✔️ Stay enrolled full-time – If you’re on an F-1 visa, this is your legal foundation. Don’t mess with it.
✔️ Don’t work without authorization – Not even freelance gigs or “under the table” jobs. It’s not worth the risk.
✔️ Check before traveling – Even domestic trips could raise red flags if your documents aren’t perfect.
✔️ Keep copies of your status documents – And know where to get help if something goes wrong.

There’s so much in this moment that you can’t control.

But you can control this.

You can keep yourself in status. You can stay alert. You can make decisions based on facts, not fear.

And if you do that—if you take each step with intention and care—you will come through this with your future intact.

A word about fear...

I know it’s a lot right now. I won’t downplay that.
And you’re allowed to feel tired, overwhelmed, or angry.

But don’t let fear paralyze you.
Let it focus you.

You came here to build something.
To grow.
To chase something bigger.

That goal is still valid. Still possible. But right now, it starts with one thing:
Doing the next right thing.

You’re not alone

There are so many people quietly advocating for you.
In schools, in government, in the community—people who believe in your right to be here and succeed.

And I’m one of them.

Whether it’s through this newsletter, my free training series, or one-on-one support, I will keep showing up for you.

Not just because I’m a DSO.
But because I see your effort. I see your courage. And I believe you deserve better than fear and confusion.

So for now, stay grounded.
Stay smart.
Stay safe.
And just do the next right thing.

ALWAYS on Your Side,

Dr. Josh