Travel Guidance for International Students, Scholars, and Employees
Due to recent news about an upcoming travel ban, we recommend F/J visa international students or scholars and H-1B employees take the following precautions if choosing to travel internationally:
- Carry all documents needed for re-entry to the US, including a valid passport, valid entry visa (e.g., F, J, H-1B) and other required documents relating to your status.
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- Required documents in addition to the valid visa and passport would include a valid Form I-20 for F-1 students, Form DS-2019 for J-1 students and scholars, and Form I-797 approval notice for H-1B employees. Dependents must also carry their necessary F-2, J-2 or H-4 documents.
- For F-1 students and J-1 students and scholars, ensure that you have an unexpired travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 no more than one year old on the date of your return.
- For F-1 students on post-completion Optional Practical Training, ensure that you have your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card in addition to a valid passport, F-1 visa, and Form I-20; your OPT Form I-20 should have a travel signature no more than six months old on the date of your return.
We recommend you carry these documents copies or have electronic copies accessible even if traveling only inside the United States. If you have questions about your specific travel plans, please contact our office at iss@ucmerced.edu.
As UC Merced becomes aware of updates or changes to visa and immigration policies or procedures, we will provide updated guidance as soon as possible.
New Registration Requirements - USCIS Alien Registration Process
On March 12, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published an Interim Final Rule which becomes effective on April 11, 2025 that amends DHS regulations to designate a new USCIS alien registration process for certain nonimmigrants to comply with required “registration” and fingerprinting provisions.
Please review the USCIS Alien Registration Process to learn who is impacted, if you are already registered or if you need to register.
If you have any questions on whether you need to register, please contact our office by emailing iss@ucmerced.edu.
Protest Activities
As part of a Fact Sheet and Executive Order: Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism, we are seeing active measures being undertaken by several agencies including the Department of State, Department of Justice, and Homeland Security to seek out and cancel the visas of individuals who participated in protest activities related to the Israel-Hamas conflict in an Artificial Intelligence generated program called “Catch and Revoke.” According to media reports, such a program will include a review of social media accounts of certain individuals. In light of these measures, and although we recognize that international students, researchers, and employees on visas sponsored by UC Merced have the right to engage lawfully in expressive activity, we advise you to understand the potential increased risks involved in participating in such activity. If you are represented by a union please consult with a union steward about potential risks. Additionally, we advise you to be mindful of your social and public media presence, as DHS and other federal agencies may use social media or other publicly available information on decisions related to entry, visas, USCIS adjudications as well as for the basis of enforcement actions.
Know Your Basic Rights
Staying calm, knowing your rights, and seeking legal advice when necessary can help protect both you and your visa status.
Right to Free Speech: As an international student or scholar in the U.S., you have the right to free speech under the First Amendment, though it may be limited in certain ways. You can express your opinions, join protests, and engage in discussions without government interference. However, threats, hate speech, or inciting violence are not protected. Additionally, while peaceful protest is generally legal, a recent executive order has increased scrutiny on protest participation, and certain activities could put your visa status at risk. Actions like civil disobedience, attending protests that become unlawful, or being arrested at a demonstration—even unintentionally—could have serious immigration consequences. If you choose to participate in protests, be aware of the legal risks.
Freedom from Illegal Search and Seizure: You do not have to consent to a search of yourself, your residence, or your belongings without a judicial warrant (not an ICE administrative document). However, police may pat down your clothing if they suspect a weapon. If an officer requests to search you, you have the right to ask if you are required to comply and can refuse unless they have legal grounds. If an officer or immigration agent requests your immigration papers, some noncitizens (e.g., Green Card holders) are legally required to show them. Others may choose to remain silent and consult an attorney. If you have copies or originals of your immigration documents, providing them could help demonstrate your legal nonimmigrant status.
Permission to Remain Silent: You have the right to remain silent. You are only required to answer questions establishing your identity, citizenship, and immigration status. Anything you tell an officer can later be used against you in court. If you choose to exercise this right, you should state this out loud. However, if you are on a non-immigrant status, be aware that refusing to answer immigration-related questions could result in negative consequences, such as denial of entry to the U.S. or even arrest.
Guarantee of Due Process: You have the right to receive notice of any charges against you, present your case, and seek legal representation. If you are arrested, you may have the right to a government-appointed lawyer or may need to hire a lawyer (the government does not provide free legal counsel for immigration cases). You may request a lawyer at any time if you are questioned by law enforcement or immigration officials. Exception: You are not entitled to an attorney at a port of entry or U.S. border.
Right to Contact your Country’s Consulate: When foreign nationals are arrested or detained, they have the right to have the closest consulate or embassy notified.
