Travel & ICE Guidance for non-citizen grads

(Last updated: 21 Mar 2025)

Given the change in administration, and both anticipated and emerging changes to federal policy, we are providing non-citizen grads with practical guidance on international travel, navigating the border, and potentially dealing with federal agents, below. Please also note our addition of actionable recommendations for data and digital safety for crossing the border.

Please be aware that international travel comes with a heightened risk right now, and it is in your best interest to avoid leaving the US unless absolutely necessary.

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Countries facing Heightened US-Border Scrutiny

Before traveling abroad, we advise that you consider: currently restricted, previously restricted, and potentially restricted countries.

Populations Which May Encounter Border Difficulties:

  • Currently restricted "Countries of particular concern” / “Special watch list:” Algeria, Azerbaijan, Central African Republic, China, Comoros, Cuba, Eritrea, India, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen

  • Previously restricted (under Trump): Chad, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq,  Kyrgyzstan, Libya,  Myanmar, Nigeria, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Venezuela, Yemen.

As of 14 March, an internal Trump administration proposal lists the following countries whose citizens could face restrictions on entering the U.S. Restricted countries may change in any final order:

  • Red (all travel banned): Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen.

  • Orange (visa severely restricted): Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Turkmenistan.

  • Yellow (60 days to address concerns): Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Republic of Congo, Democratic, Republic of Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe.

For this proposed list, anyone having travelled to or through those countries may also face increased scrutiny.

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TRAVEL PREPARATIONS

Make you sure that you have:

Essential Documents

  • Passport (valid for a minimum of 6 months) and a valid, unexpired visa with applicable immigration documents.

  • Enrollment/employment verification (Brown appointment letters or funding proof).

  • I-20/DS-2019 form with up-to-date travel signature (OISSS signatures are valid for 12 months and can be renewed via their dedicated gateway).

  • F-1 students on post-completion OPT or STEM OPT should carry the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and an employment verification or offer letter from the current or prospective employer in addition to above mentioned items.

  • J-1 students on post-completion Academic Training should carry extended DS-2019 with Academic Training notation and an employment verification or offer letter from the current or prospective employer.

  • H-1B and O-1 Scholars must carry a valid I-797 Approval Notice issued by USCIS.  H-1B and O-1 scholars will want to travel with their most recent I-797 approval notice showing the validity dates of their O-1 or H-1B status.

Additional Documents Recommended by OISSS

  • Evidence of Financial Support: OISSS recommends that F/J nonimmigrants carry proof of the financial support and resources reflected on their Form I-20 or DS-2019.

  • Evidence of Current Semester's Enrollment (Student): F-1 and J-1 students should carry a letter certifying active student status and enrollment. The letter can be obtained from the Brown Registrar's Office in Page-Robinson Hall, 3rd Floor.

  • Evidence of Valid Appointment with Brown University (Scholar):  J-1 Scholars should carry their official Brown University appointment letter.

Preparations in Case of Emergency

  • Make copies of all entry documents.

  • Document and memorize key emergency contacts.

  • Select a primary contact and furnish them with the contact details of family members, your attorney(s), and employer (in case you’re restricted to one phone call.)

  • Consider arranging legal representation in advance.

  • GLO Union members are eligible for a reimbursement from Brown of up to $500 in legal fees per fiscal year.

  • All Local 6516 union members have access to dedicated immigration and labor attorneys.

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IF YOU ARE CHALLENGED OR DENIED ENTRY AT THE BORDER

  • If you are a U.S. visa holder (F-1, J-1, H-1B, O-1, TN, etc.) and encounter issues at any U.S. port of entry, ask the individuals at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) if they would be willing to speak with Brown’s Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS). During business hours (Monday through Friday from 8:30am - 5:00pm EST), you can reach the OISSS front desk at (401) 863-2427.

    For all other Brown community members, including lawful permanent residents as well as individuals with DACA, TPS or other statuses, or if you are calling after business hours, please call Brown’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) at (401) 863-3322 and DPS will connect you with the relevant office.

    • If you do not hear back from Brown’s designated representative, contact Brown AOC (24/7 Administrator On Call).

  • After alerting Brown, email both the GLO Executive Board (via comms@glounion.org) and GLO Staff Organizer, Hanna, (hanna@local6516.org) with details of your situation. Upon receiving your inquiry, we will connect you with our immigration attorneys for guidance on next steps.

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YOUR RIGHTS AS A UNION MEMBER & BROWN EMPLOYEE

Under our collective bargaining agreement, if you are denied entry into the country you are entitled to:

  • Remote work options;

  • Re-employment under another visa category;

  • Joint support from the union and the university.

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Federal agent & ICE Guidance

You'll find detailed information on what to do if detained or questioned—whether by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the border or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within the US—here.

If you see ICE in the Providence area, please call or text: (401) 675-1414!

  • This is a Rhode Island rapid response network. Trained community members of the Defense Line will go confirm any sightings and patrol the area.

  • If you want to stay updated with reports of any confirmed ICE presence, join the community WhatsApp group or Telegram group.

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Actionable Recommendations for Data & social media Safety When Crossing the US Border

Please note, the majority of this advice is for those of higher risk.

Essential Device Security

  • Use strong encryption on all devices (phones, laptops, external drives) where possible

  • Disable biometric unlocking (face/fingerprint) and use strong passwords (13+ characters)

  • Consider using a "clean" device when traveling or at high-risk events

  • Enable multi-factor authentication on all accounts that offer it

  • Back-up essential data to encrypted storage before travel, then restore it when needed

Data Minimization

  • Travel with minimal sensitive data, photos, and files to reduce risk exposure

  • Remove unnecessary union and organizing materials from devices before travel

  • Consider using temporary email accounts for travel periods

  • Use cloud storage services to access only what you need during travel

  • Avoid accessing union or political organizing platforms directly while traveling

Social Media & Communication Safety

  • Audit your social media presence before travel; temporarily deactivate if necessary

  • Use encrypted messaging apps (Signal with disappearing messages) for sensitive communications

  • Never use employer-provided devices or networks for union or political activities

  • Sign out of all non-essential accounts before crossing borders

  • Remove sensitive apps from devices before travel if possible

Network Security

  • Beware of untrusted networks including hotel WiFi and public hotspots

  • Consider using a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic when accessing sensitive information*

  • Consider using Tor Browser in high-risk situations where anonymity is needed

  • Avoid using public workstations or shared computers whenever possible

* Please note that some countries ban VPNs (Belarus, China, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Oman, Russia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, etc.). Please use discretion.

During Border Crossings

  • Power off devices completely before crossing borders (not sleep mode)

  • Know your legal rights regarding device searches at borders

  • Have emergency contact information written down separately from devices

  • Consider using "airplane mode" if you must keep devices on

  • Be aware that border agents may require device access with limited legal recourse

Post-Travel Security

  • Change all passwords used during travel once you return

  • Wipe and restore devices used in high-risk areas before reconnecting to home networks

  • Check devices for signs of tampering or unauthorized access

  • Report any lost or stolen devices immediately to appropriate contacts

For detailed notes on data security and social media safety see here.

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We are here to support you. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

In Solidarity,

GLO Staff, and International and Communications Committees