Navigating Immigration Changes

Remain calm: Be respectful and cooperative if you are ever approached or stopped by a government official. Staying composed and communicating politely helps protect your well-being. 

Verifying your identity for a government official: You are encouraged to politely request verification of the individual’s identity if you are approached by someone claiming to be a government official. If they are unable or unwilling to provide proper identification, it is appropriate to contact 911 and ask law enforcement to verify the identity of the individuals questioning you.

For F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors, paperwork to carry to prove identity and show evidence of lawful presence:  

1. Required by law to carry: 

• Printout of your I-94.  

2. Consider carrying: 

• government-issued photo ID with REAL ID (will have a gold star in upper right corner) such as a Kansas ID or driver’s license  
• passport
• Employment Authorization Document (e.g. for OPT) 
• KUID (although not government issued, may suffice)
• I-20 (F-1 status) or DS-2019 (J-1 status) -- a printout is recommended, but electronic may suffice

For other non-immigrants

Documentation for each non-immigrant classification varies.

For students in status other than F-1 or J-1, contact ISS. 

For employees, contact international HR for specific information about documentation to carry. For some employees (i.e., certain H-1B, O-1, or TN holders whose status was changed or extended within the U.S.), your most recent I-94 may be on the bottom of your I-797 approval notice—carry that if it applies.

Advantages and disadvantages of different document formats

• Originals: May be lost, stolen or confiscated; an officer may request to see the original.
• Photocopies: Bulkier to carry; contain personal information if lost or stolen; may be viewed as insufficient; the original might still be required; can be notarized.
• Notarized photocopies: Still bulky and contain personal information that could be lost or stolen; the original may still be requested; notarization confirms the notary viewed the original; Legal Services for Students offers free notarization (appointment required).
• Digital copies: Convenient and may be accepted; however, your phone could be confiscated, and officials may still request original documents.
   

Scam awareness

Identifying and defending against scams 

Imposter scams, where fraudsters pose as government officials to steal money or personal information, are increasingly targeting international students and scholars through suspicious calls, texts, or emails.  Learn more about protecting yourself from scams.  

If you are an international student who has concerns or questions, please go to ISS during drop-in advising. ISS can provide current, informed guidance directly to students that is responsive to their unique situation and can connect them with appropriate support and resources as needed. 

International employees whose immigration status is sponsored by KU: Please see the international advising team in Human Resources. 

Note: If KU is not the sponsor of your immigration status, immigration-related questions are best directed to your sponsoring agency representative.

Watch your email carefully for messages from ISS and/or HR

All international students are asked to review all ISS email communications they receive. Likewise, international employees are asked to review all HR communications with immigration updates. Both offices endeavor to provide updates and critical advice that is reflective of any current changes impacting the international student and scholar community.

For those not sponsored by KU:  Stay informed

If you are a green card holder, or another status that is not KU-sponsored, it is vital for you to independently stay informed about travel, visa, and policy issues.  While those with immigration related concerns may find useful information on this page, appropriate advice can only be given by a qualified immigration attorney.

Understanding changes to U.S. regulations

NAFSA Log of Executive Actions: Association of International Educators, an organization for professionals in  international education, is tracking the latest immigration updates impacting international higher education.

ACE Issue Brief:The American Council on Education has released its 2026 Issue Brief, Immigration-Related Campus Concerns (PDF). The 20-page brief provides high-level updates in  non-technical language on issues affecting international students, faculty and staff, visa and travel restrictions, DACA, and potential federal enforcement actions on campus. This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for institutional advising or recommendations from the University of Kansas. Please remember: Immigration advising is highly nuanced and must be tailored to each individual’s context.

If students encounter difficulties, such as at a port of entry, after normal business hours for International Support Services, they may call ISS emergency number, 785-380-8937.  During regular business hours, call 785-864-3617. Also, memorize a personal emergency contact’s phone number; inform this person they’re your designated contact and may need to make calls on your behalf if detained, as access to your phone or calls may be limited.

In the unlikely event KU faculty or staff encounter difficulties at a port of entry, we recommend having a personal emergency contact number available (and memorized) and informing this person that they are your designated contact. You may want to provide that person with your travel information, as well as key individuals for them to inform in the event you have re-entry difficulties (for example: family members, KU unit/department head). Note: If you are escorting a study abroad group, please follow the emergency contact instructions provided to you in your orientation materials.

The U.S. government is increasing its review of social media at ports of entry, USCIS applications, and in some ICE encounters. Use of social media will be reviewed during F, M, J, H1-B, and H-4 visa applications, at the port of entry and when applying for benefits through USCIS.  International individuals should be aware that their online presence may be scrutinized and may negatively impact their applications or admissibility.

Travel for F-1/J-1 international students: International students who plan to travel outside the United States should review the ISS website for current information on various risk factors and the documents needed for re-entry. Anytime someone travels internationally there are inherent risks involved and re-entry to the United States is never a guarantee. ISS recommends you do diligent research before deciding if you should travel internationally. To learn more, visit the ISS pages on Travel Outside the US & Re-entry.  

Travel for J-1 employees & visiting scholars: International Visiting Scholars and J-1 employees who plan to travel outside the US should review: Documents Needed to Travel and Signatures and DS-2019 Reprint (J Scholar)  

Travel for KU-sponsored employees: KU sponsored international employees should refer to the HR website and HR email communications for the most up to date information regarding international travel including documents needed for international travel and visa application. We recommend considering your risk factors in international travel carefully and if you have questions to reach out to an advisor in HR for further discussion. It is important that you also clearly discuss your travel plans with your supervisor including the risk of delay in your return if you will be making a visa application during your travels.

Travel for Naturalized U.S. Citizens: We are not aware of any regulatory changes that would uniquely impact faculty or staff who are naturalized U.S. citizens. To date, we have not heard of any travel-related challenges or issues for this population. Normal travel procedures and considerations still apply.

Travel for Permanent Residents: Permanent Residents who have had an arrest or criminal conviction may benefit from seeking guidance from an immigration attorney prior to international travel.

Searches of phones and other electronic devices

Be aware that phones and other electronic devices are also searchable as part of the U.S. entry process for all individuals entering the U.S., including nonimmigrants, permanent residents AND US citizens. For information about the authority of Customs and Border Protection to search electronic devices please see the Border Search of Electronic Devices at Ports of Entry page of U.S. Customs and Borders. The ACLU provides a summary of this topic at Know Your Rights at a Port of Entry and Can Border Agents Search Your Electronic Devices.

Legal concerns

KU Legal Services for Students Officeoffers guidance for students available by appointment regarding rights and procedures. 

KU student mental health resources

CAPS Urgent Care Service is available for walk-in support during business hours at Watkins Memorial Health Center; no appointment is required.

Mantra Health offers virtual counseling support.

See also community resources, below.

KU employee mental health resources

For KU employees needing mental health assistance, contact Jeff Stolz, mental health and wellbeing director at 785-864-8003 or jeffreystolz@ku.edu for more information. 

The EAP (Employee Assistance Program) provides confidential 24/7 access in multiple languages to a variety of helpful resources including one-on-one counseling.

See also community resources, below.

KU community (students, faculty and staff) mental health resources

The KU Psychological Clinic offers sliding scale therapy for students, faculty and staff provided by graduate-level psychology students as well as psychiatric assessment.

HealthQuest Health Center in Topeka provides free to low-cost counseling, depending on your health plan, both virtual and in-person, to benefits-eligible KU employees, spouses, and dependent children.

Positive Psychotherapy Clinic offers 9 free sessions of online therapy. If you are 18 years or older and live in Kansas you are eligible for a consultation.

Understand public and private spaces

Classrooms, research laboratories, and residence halls are not public spaces.

If ICE or any other federal law enforcement official/s arrive at a classroom or lab, faculty members should politely ask them to wait outside and call the KU Police Department. KUPD can quickly step in and help manage the situation and engage General Counsel if necessary. You do not need to know the difference between or implications of a valid judicial warrant signed by a federal judge and a warrant signed by an administrative judge. Please let the experts at KU help you.

KU police department numbers:

• Lawrence: 785-864-5900
• Edwards: 913-897-8700
• Kansas City and Salina: 913-588-5030
• Wichita: 316-293-2662
• If there is an emergency, dial 911

Note that you should never interfere with a federal law enforcement official and should not put yourself in harm’s way. You have the right to document and report an incident as it unfolds, but for your own safety (and to avoid arrest and prosecution), you should not physically obstruct or interfere with the actions of government agents. 

Guard sensitive information

 If you are contacted by a representative from a law enforcement organization seeking information about students, refer the requesting agency to the Office of the University Registrar. You should also immediately inform the University General Counsel at 785-864-3276.

Cultivate a supportive environment and direct students to expert advice

Promote a supportive atmosphere for students and refer them to KU’s dedicated resources to ensure they receive accurate guidance without taking on an advisory role yourself. 

Direct students to specialized offices like International Support Services and Legal Services for Students for immigration advice to ensure they receive accurate, professional support. KU has Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) as a resource dedicated to supporting student emotional health and well-being.