USC international students advised on summer travel
The University sent an email following visa revocations across the United States.
By JUSTIN HA
The USC Office of International Services emailed international students Monday with “important updates” for traveling internationally this summer amid visa revocations and terminations at universities. The email, which was first reported by Annenberg Media, included information on visa renewal, the revised visa interview waiver policy and the documents required for traveling and returning to the United States.
“While students may travel internationally during scheduled university breaks, international travel remains fluid and new restrictions could be implemented with little notice,” the email read. “The decision to travel internationally should be made carefully.”
OIS advised students returning to the U.S. to carry a passport, visa, certificates of eligibility and financial documents to prove “sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses.” International students participating in the Optional Practical Training program should have their Employment Authorization Document. OIS also wrote that international students should carry a valid proof of immigration status at all times, even during daily activities.
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In February, the Department of State updated the visa interview waiver policy, tightening the eligibility requirements for nonimmigrant visa applicants for an in-person visa interview waiver. According to OIS’ email, this change is likely to result in longer processing times for visas.
The email also advised students to “exercise caution in their online presence” because immigration authorities are now reviewing social media as part of visa screening.
On April 6, UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk announced that the legal status of six current and six former students was terminated by the federal government. UC Irvine Chancellor Howard Gillman released a statement on April 7, announcing that the visas of some students and recent graduates in the OPT program had been revoked.
In a statement to the Daily Trojan, the University declined to reveal if any international students had their visas revoked because it “does not disclose information about the status of individual student visas.”
OIS wrote it will release updates on future executive orders and government agency actions, and encouraged students to review the most recent OIS Travel page before leaving or re-entering the U.S.
