US universities are still warning foreign students not to travel overseas this summer, despite the Trump administration restoring the legal status of international students.
Overseas travel remains a high risk due to the rapid changes in immigration policies. Five US campuses, including the University of California, Duke University and UC Berkeley, have issued warnings to their international communities about leaving the country, reports NBC News.
Boston University, in a recent not,e stated that given recent Executive Orders signaling possible travel restrictions and changes to US visa processing, they are encouraging current international students and scholars to consider postponing non-essential travel (especially if you need a new visa to return) until there is more clarity from the Trump administration.
Universities across the country have issued warnings to international students about their summer travel plans, citing concerns about potential restrictions on their return.
“Due to the increased risks involved in re-entering into the United States, we are advising members of the Duke international community to avoid international travel unless essential. We continue to encourage caution with respect to international travel for individuals in a nonimmigrant visa category. A valid visa does not guarantee entry to the U.S. due to the wide discretion granted to Customs & Border Protections officers at ports of entry,” reads a Duke University notice.
As part of the current administration’s ‘maximum vetting’ strategy, immigration agents are enforcing tight entrance procedures, and a growing proportion of visitors are being referred to ‘secondary inspection’ where they may face further interrogation and device searches.
According to reports from March, the federal administration is considering imposing a larger travel restriction on 43 countries. As of May 6, no travel bans or restrictions had been formally enacted; however, an official notification could be made at any time, possibly with immediate effect. This means that if an international student is outside the United States when a travel restriction based on their nationality is announced, they may be unable to re-enter the United States.
Although the terminated SEVIS records have been reinstated, an internal memo from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to all Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIP) officials has put forth the conditions for termination of SEVIS records following the revocation of student visa.
The memo – ‘SEVIS Notice – Policy Regarding Termination of Records’ shows an expanded list of criteria for ICE to terminate foreign-born students’ legal status in the U.S., including a ‘U.S. Department of State Visa Revocation (Effective Immediately).’
If you still have to leave America, make sure you meet the conditions. Some basic requirements for an F-1 to re-enter the United States after travelling abroad on pleasure or personal business:
A Form I-20, endorsed for travel and signed by your DSO
You have been out of the United States for less than five months
A current passport valid for at least six months after the date of your reentry or, if you are from one of the countries listed below, a passport that is current through the date of entry
A valid, current visa or you travelled to contiguous country or adjacent island for less than thirty days
Financial information showing proof of necessary funds to cover tuition and living expenses.