For over 100 years, Lydia Patterson Institute (LPI), a historic El Paso institution that has educated thousands of young people along the U.S.–Mexico border, has provided a faith-centered, bilingual education to students from both El Paso and Ciudad Juárez.
We exist to offer academic excellence, cultural understanding, and opportunity—especially for students who cross the border each day in pursuit of a brighter future.
LPI was recently ranked #3 among private schools in El Paso and placed in the top 20% of private schools statewide in Texas. The Class of 2025 includes 34 graduating seniors, all of whom were accepted into college, collectively earning more than $1.8 million in scholarships.
Our students are legally enrolled, fully documented, and deeply committed to their education. At LPI, we are just as committed to supporting them in every season—including moments of uncertainty.
The Challenge: Visa Delays
On May 28, 2025, the U.S. State Department has paused all new and some renewed student visa appointments to implement expanded social media screening. The policy was issued without notice and with no clear guidance for schools or families.
At Lydia Patterson Institute, approximately 40% of our students require student visas, and 99% of our student body crosses the U.S.–Mexico border daily to attend school. Many of these students now face indefinite delays in securing or renewing the documentation that allows them to be physically present on campus.
LPI has reached out to SEVIS, and Homeland Security but no further information has been provided.
This lack of clarity is delaying enrollment, creating enormous stress for families, and placing many students' fall semester at risk.
How It’s Affecting Our Students
Several returning and incoming students are now stuck in limbo.
Karla, a rising senior with a 4.0 GPA, has been accepted into a national college readiness program and dreams of becoming a mechanical engineer. Her family followed every legal step. But because of this delay, she may not be allowed to finish her senior year at LPI.
As of now, a significant number of students are directly affected—and that number may rise.
We want to be clear: we do not want students or parents to feel discouraged. LPI is actively working on solutions. We are fully committed to keeping all students on track, connected, and supported—no matter where they are.
Our View
We believe this policy is:
Unjust to students who are following the rules
Unnecessary, as these students are fully vetted and legal
Harmful to families who did everything right
Contrary to the values of compassion, opportunity, and fairness
This is not about border enforcement. This is about access to education.
Our Plan
LPI remains fully operational and prepared. Here’s how we’re responding:
School enrollment will remain open through mid-August
Remote learning options will be available for students facing delays, including access to technology tools and digital platforms
A dedicated team will support students residing across the border.
Counseling and spiritual care will be provided for those experiencing distress.
We will continue advocating at every level for a just and timely resolution.
Here’s how you can help-right now:
This is a critical moment for our students. Many have spent years preparing for this opportunity, only to face uncertainty because of sudden visa delays. But with your help, we can ensure their education doesn’t come to a halt.
Give by Text: Simply text DONATE to 915-292-2200
Give by Mail: Make checks payable to:
Lydia Patterson Institute
517 S. Florence St.
El Paso, TX 79901
Give Online: Visit www.lpi-elpaso.org/give to make a secure one-time or recurring donation
Advocate: Please contact your elected officials and urge them to support a fair and timely resolution to the student visa delays affecting LPI and other border schools. Your voice matters.
We can’t do this alone. Your prayers, your advocacy, and your generosity make it possible for us to keep moving forward—together. Our students are resilient, but they need you now more than ever.
Students and parents may contact Dina Salazar at LPI for personalized support or updates related to student visa issues.
Email: d.salazar@lpi-elpaso.org
Phone: 915-533-8286
For more information about giving or to offer additional support, contact:
Domingo Betancourt, CFRE
Director of Development and Communications
Email: lpi.development@lpi-elpaso.org
Phone: 915-888-5305