Letter to Non-US Citizens Planning to Travel Internationally

Dear Student,

We hope this message finds you well. As you consider traveling internationally this year, we want to acknowledge the deep concerns many non-U.S. citizens—particularly students of color—have about navigating U.S. immigration procedures during reentry. We know that recent reports of travelers being subjected to heightened questioning, invasive searches, and even temporary detentions by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers are deeply unsettling. You are not alone in feeling uncertain or anxious about your travel plans, and we want to assure you that Therapy Abroad stands with you and is here to support you in every way we can.

If you are planning to travel internationally, please consider the following precautions, many of which are echoed by respected organizations like NAFSA: Association of International Educators and The Forum on Education Abroad:

1. Carry All Documentation: Make sure your passport, visa, and I-20/DS-2019 are up to date and easily accessible. Carry proof of enrollment, your student ID, and any employment authorization if applicable. Keep these documents on your person during travel, not in checked luggage.
2. Back Up Important Records: Keep digital and physical copies of your immigration documents, emergency contacts, and travel itineraries.
3. Prepare for Possible Questioning: While you should not expect to be mistreated, it’s wise to be prepared for questions about your immigration status, purpose of travel, or even your academic program. Remain calm, respectful, and direct in your responses. You have the right to request an attorney if you are detained, though non-citizens may not always have the right to one during border inspection. Allow extra time in your itinerary in case of secondary screening. Consider traveling with a letter from your Designated School Official (DSO) confirming your student status and intent to return to your program.
4. Know Your Rights: You have the right to remain silent and to ask for an attorney if you are detained. According to the ACLU and NAFSA, CBP officers may ask for information, but you are not required to unlock digital devices or provide social media passwords.
5. Limit Access to Personal Devices: Be aware that officers may request access to your phone, laptop, or social media. Consider minimizing the personal data you carry and understand your rights and limits regarding digital privacy. Consider deleting social media apps from your phone and deleting/hiding any photos that could be used against you.
6. Check Travel Advisories and Policies: Stay informed about evolving immigration policies and travel restrictions through your university’s international student office.
7. Stay in Communication: Inform a trusted person of your travel plans and check in upon arrival and return. Keep Therapy Abroad in the loop so we can support you in real-time if needed.

Whether you choose to travel or decide it’s best to remain in the U.S., please know that your safety and well-being are our top priorities. If you encounter difficulties or have questions as you plan, we are here to help you navigate this process with care, resources, and unwavering support.

Additional Resources:

• https://www.nafsa.org/executive-and-regulatory-actions-trump2admin
• https://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/immigration/policy-updates
• https://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/immigration/immigration-policy-changes-faq