The Consular Newsletter (March 31 – April 06, 2025)
This week, the Trump administration revokes visas for South Sudan passport holders, while France plans to take Iran to the International Court over citizen detentions.
A. Announcements
B. Video of the week
C. Consular affairs
D. The diplomatic and consular networks database and rankings
E. Passports, visas, and migration fraud
F. 5 Substacks
G. Honorary consuls
H. Get daily news
I. Support consular research
J. Thanks
A. Announcements
While we are planning to launch the website in May 2025, you are now welcome to archive your existing works in the Consular Repository and submit new writings for the Consular Magazine.
If you would like to partner with the Center, feel free to get in touch.
B. Video of the week
C. Consular affairs
Americas
As a U.S. immigrant and immigration lawyer, the personal continues to be political. The Globe and Mail
Colleges say the Trump administration is using new tactics to expel international students. Associated Press
Cornell University student activist chooses to self-deport after U.S. visa is revoked. CBS News
DOJ attorney placed on leave after expressing frustration in court with government over mistakenly deported man. CNN
Ex-Costa Rica president says US visa revoked after criticism of Trump. The Guardian
First Amendment, immigration law experts affirm constitutional rights of international students despite increasing surveillance. The Daily Texan
Immigration crisis: student visa scandal & border currency crackdown. San Antonio News
International students in the US being asked to self-deport. The American Bazaar
Rubio orders U.S. diplomats to scour student visa applicants’ social media. The New York Times
Student who last saw Sudiksha Konanki has passport seized in Dominican Republic, raising red flags for Americans traveling. New York Post
The practical problems of Rubio’s visa hardball. The American Conservative
U.S. Government demands new internal passport for citizens and it's giving off major dystopian vibes. Boing Boing
Visas of several Harvard University international students, alumni revoked, school confirms. WCVB
Europe
Poland passed an ‘illegal’ anti-asylum law and the EU isn’t doing anything. Hyphen
Recruitment center, consular offices abroad do not send draft notices to join Ukrainian Legion - Consul General. Ukrinform
Multiple continents
Five years without answers for family of Canadian businessman held in Chinese jail. EverythingGP
France plans to take Iran to international court over citizen detentions. Reuters
Germany to deport 4 foreign residents for pro-Palestine activism. Genocide Watch
Israeli national rescued in Nigeria after kidnapping for ransom. Ynetnews
LinkedIn user prompts ChatGPT to create fake passport. Cybernews
Rubio says US is revoking all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders. The Canadian Press
Turkish students start to win legal battles over Italian visa rejections. Türkiye Today
US bans gov’t staff in China and Hong Kong from romantic or sexual relations with Chinese citizens – report. Hong Kong Free Press
Africa, Asia, Middle East, Oceania, and Pacific Islands
Stay tuned for next week's newsletter.
D. The diplomatic and consular networks database and rankings
In Americas
Panamanian ex-leader Martinelli remains in the Nicaraguan Embassy after window to leave expired. WRAL
Spain announces the opening of a new consulate general in Cuba. Cibercuba
In Middle East
Czech embassy denies reported decision regarding Jerusalem move. Jewish News Syndicate
Hungary expected to announce embassy move to Jerusalem, withdraw from international court. Jewish News Syndicate
New consulate in the Kurdistan Region to enhance Washington-Erbil ties: US. Rudaw
In multiple continents
Moscow insists on the return of its seized diplomatic property in the US. Fakti
US embassies to contractors worldwide: cancel any diversity programs or risk going unpaid. CNN
In Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and Pacific Islands
Stay tuned for next week's newsletter.
E. Passport, visas, and migration fraud
Americas
Gang used ‘mundi-cut’ passports, chewing gum to send people to US, Canada. The Indian Express
Georgia police officer accused of stealing money, passport, other items from traffic stop, GBI says. 13WMAZ
Europe
Visa scammers targeting overseas care workers with fake UK job offers. Smith Stone Walters
Multiple continents
Secret filming reveals brazen tactics of immigration scammers. BBC
Asia, Africa, Middle East, Oceania, and Pacific Islands
Stay tuned for next week's newsletter.
F. 5 Substacks
This selection highlights a number of posts published this week to help readers discover diverse perspectives; the views expressed are those of the authors and do not reflect the position of the Consular Affairs Center.
Liberal MP Encouraged the Abduction of Conservative Rival for Chinese Bounty (by
).- ).
Trump Admin Spies on Social Media of Student Visa Holders (by
).Trump's Immigration Policy... (by
).Visa Revoked (by
).
G. Honorary consuls
The Consular Affairs Center provides tailored reports for worldwide honorary consuls. Contact the Center to learn more.
H. Get daily news
Consular affairs via Bluesky, Facebook, KakaoTalk, Line, LinkedIn, Telegram, Threads, Viber, VK, WhatsApp, and X
The diplomatic and consular networks database and rankings via LinkedIn
Passports, visas, and migration fraud via LinkedIn
I. Support consular research
Via The Consular Research Report
On the first of every month, the paid Consular Research Report complements the free Consular Newsletter. Although the Report is modest, your help is essential to advancing consular research. Thank you very much.
Via a donation
Your generosity helps a lot. Support is possible via PayPal. Thank you very much.
J. Thanks
Incubating partner: Yonsei University.
We are grateful to the news sources that contributed to bringing you this week's highlights.
The content and views expressed are those of the authors alone and do not reflect the position of their affiliated institutions or the Consular Affairs Center.