You are not alone: APS stands with international students and scholars

Right now, many international students and researchers across the U.S. and around the world are facing anxiety and uncertainty about their futures. Some are experiencing real fear, others frustration and disappointment about disruptions to their lives and careers.

We recognize that recent events — including arrests, visa revocations, and severe delays in processing — are causing many to feel targeted and threatened. We share your alarm when international students and scholars become bargaining chips in political negotiations, or when broad executive actions put so many at risk without due process or public discussion.

That’s why APS is standing with you, pushing back on policies that contravene our values.

APS advocacy in action

In the face of these challenges, APS is taking concrete actions:

• We are meeting with members of Congress to encourage fair visa policies, advocating for changes that will protect international students and scientists in the U.S.
• We are preparing legal briefs to defend those facing unjust visa revocations and to challenge actions that put your academic and professional futures at risk.
• We are working in solidarity with partner scientific organizations worldwide, urging policymakers everywhere to enact visa policies that foster scientific mobility, promote international research collaborations, and open opportunities for young scientists across borders.
• We are communicating with policymakers about the urgent need to recognize the global value of international students and researchers, and the harm caused by exclusionary or punitive actions.
• We are fighting for robust federal science budgets to ensure that the U.S. can uphold its end of its global partnerships.
• We are continuing to live our values, including trust, integrity, and ethical conduct, the bedrock upon which our science relies.

We cannot address everything, everywhere, all at once, so we are focusing our efforts on areas where we can have impact.

Wherever you are, APS is your professional home

Despite all these obstacles, more than a million international students are advancing their careers at U.S. institutions. And that is nothing short of inspiring.

As an organization with a global reach, APS is committed to fostering connections within and across our community. For international students and scholars, this holds true whether you remain in the U.S. or continue your work in another country. There is no single right answer: you must make the choice that’s right for you.

No matter what you choose, know that APS will continue to support your career, amplify your voice, and share your science, regardless of location or circumstance. Science does not stop at borders. We are committed to supporting you with information, resources, and community, wherever you happen to live.

The future of physics is global

APS remains steadfast in our commitment to foster an open and welcoming scientific community.

We know that international students and researchers are essential to scientific progress, bringing new perspectives, forming global networks, and driving the breakthroughs that change our world.

When others are looking to close doors, we are working to keep them open:

• We are enabling greater global participation in our meetings, making it easier for scientists everywhere to connect with colleagues and share their discoveries.
• We are expanding access to our journals, ensuring that your science reaches the broadest possible audience.
• We are champions for your voice and your science, supporting you with resources, advocacy, and a global network.

At its best, science is a shared human endeavor that lifts societies, fuels economies, and addresses our greatest challenges. APS believes that the future of physics is global, and no matter where you are, we are here for you.

With gratitude for all you bring to science and society,