I am writing to address ongoing questions and concerns received from students, faculty, and staff regarding international travel.

First, it is important to acknowledge that each traveler’s circumstances are different. As has always been the case, individuals must seek to understand their own circumstances and potential risks prior to traveling.

Second, the information contained in this communication is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. If you have specific legal questions about your own immigration status, please seek assistance from a private immigration attorney.

Whether you are traveling to the U.S. or another country, it is imperative that you understand both entry and exit requirements for that country as well as any requirements for conducting your intended activities, such as study or research. Travelers are strongly advised to check with the embassy of the country to which they are traveling, or transiting through, prior to departure.

U.S. immigration law requires nonimmigrants and lawful permanent residents, 18 years of age and over, to carry evidence of their immigration status at all times. This is particularly important to note as Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has called on all state and local authorities to assist with enforcement of immigration laws.

Due to an increase in the number of visa applicants requiring in-person interviews, the introduction of enhanced vetting and screening as well as an ongoing federal hiring freeze, visa processing may take longer than travelers experienced in the past. Further complicating this matter is the fact that the U.S. Department of State has apparently ceased updating visa appointment wait times at various consular posts. Please note that, as a result, the Center for Global Engagement is not currently able to assist travelers with projecting U.S. visa processing times. 

Travelers needing to obtain a new visa or renew their current visa in order to reenter the U.S. should ensure they have an in-person visa interview appointment date confirmed, if required, prior to departing the U.S.

The Trump administration’s reintroduction of enhanced vetting and screening practices at U.S. consulates and ports of entry significantly increase the risk that international travelers may experience greater scrutiny of visa applications, prolonged visa processing times, and more intense questioning when seeking to enter the U.S.

Travelers should seek to identify and weigh the risks associated with international travel based on their personal circumstances. Failure to carry proper documentation, evidence of prior legal issues, including certain traffic violations, and prolonged stays outside of the U.S. may all result in issues for travel. If travelers have questions about their specific circumstances, then they should contact a qualified immigration attorney.

At U.S. ports of entry, such as international airports and border crossings, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has broad authority to both search and seize travelers’ personal possessions, including electronic devices, without a warrant. Specifically, CBP may perform the following:

While the above focuses on the U.S., other countries have similar authority that may even permit government officials to conduct warrantless searches far beyond the regular customs enforcement area.

Considering the sensitive nature of certain research and technologies as well as personal privacy concerns, travelers are advised to only take electronic devices and data required to perform their intended activities abroad. Additionally, travelers should understand what items are prohibited or restricted from entering the U.S. and any countries they may be visiting or transiting through. Please visit UMBC’s Office of Research Protections and Compliance’s Export Control and Travel Page for additional considerations and tips related to international travel and restrictions on transferring controlled items or technologies.

Many countries, including some of the most popular tourist destinations, have lèse-majesté laws prohibiting criticisms of the host country’s government. Violation of these laws can result in fines, detention, deportation, and denial of eligibility to visit the country in the future.

Given the rise of social media, a growing number of governments have also implemented fake news laws designed to address online manipulation and news the country’s government deems to be untrue. More recently, artificial intelligence (AI) has made it easier for governments to monitor social media postings and other online content.

While freedom of speech is a core value of the United States, travelers should be fully aware of how their participation in certain activities and expressions of speech may expose them to risks that could compromise their immigration status. According to Axios, more than 300 international students had their visas revoked during the first three weeks of the U.S. government’s new Catch and Revoke initiative, which uses AI to assist with the review of social media accounts.

The New York Times reported on an internal Trump administration memo indicating that certain countries could soon be subject to a revised travel ban. As reported, the proposed ban would include three tiers: Red, Orange, and Yellow.

It is currently unknown when or if the new travel bans will be implemented. Still, there remains a very real risk that nationals of the listed countries who are outside the United States when the ban is announced may be unable to return, even with a valid visa stamp. It is also possible that additional countries could be included.

Individuals who do not hold U.S. citizenship and who are planning to travel abroad and reenter the U.S. must assess their personal risk tolerance for international travel given the possibility that they may be unable to reenter the U.S. as a result of a future travel ban. Moreover, such travelers should plan ahead for how they would be able to continue their studies or employment from outside of the U.S.

The International Travel Guide, published by Business Services, is designed to assist university travelers with planning university-sponsored international travel. It includes guidelines for obtaining pre-approval and submitting reimbursement requests.

The Office of International Students and Scholars is available to consult on immigration-related travel issues for individuals holding F-1, H-1B, and J-1 immigration status.

UMBC’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides employees with access to free confidential counseling and connections to attorneys who can help with a variety of issues, including immigration concerns.

UMBC’s International Travel Registry provides real-time, location specific security alerts to students, faculty, and staff traveling internationally on university business. Additionally, travelers registering their travel will be notified of how to enroll in UMBC’s comprehensive international travel insurance and assistance policy, which provides coverage for medical and non-medical issues that may arise during travel.

UMBC’s Office of Research Protections and Compliance provides detailed information related to export control and considerations for international travel.

Sincerely,