Navigating Immigration Changes

General advice for KU's international community

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.

ISS will reach out individually

If the ISS team learns of any issues impacting a student's immigration status, they will reach out to individual students directly and immediately. ISS staff members are experts in this area and have the tools needed to support our international students with their immigration needs.

Questions about legal status or other immigration issues

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. 

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.

Accessing other campus support resources 

Students may also get confidential legal advice from Legal Services for Students. Counseling services are also available to help students navigate challenges through CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services).  For students, KU also provides free access to  TELUS Student Support Program that provides chat and phone support in 150+ languages.  

All benefits eligible employees can access counseling services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Response to SEVIS Record Terminations

SEVIS is a government database which tracks schools and exchange visitor programs as well as F-1 and M-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors.

Earlier this year, a small number of international students at KU had their SEVIS records terminated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These status terminations were identified by ISS through these regular systems checks and all impacted students are under advisement.  

UPDATE: On April 25, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement would reverse the abrupt terminations of international students’ visa statuses. As of 7 p.m. April 26, all KU students have had their status fully restored.

Understanding changes to U.S. regulations

NAFSA: Association of International Educators, an organization for professionals in  international education, is tracking Executive and Regulatory Actions Under the Second Trump Administration that relate to international education. These include such areas as Travel Bans and Restrictions, Vetting and Enforcement, and Immigration Benefits.

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 someone approaches you and indicates that they are a DHS or ICE agent, ask to verify their identity. Legitimate DHS/ICE agents work in pairs, usually in plain clothes. They carry an official badge and credentials and should not object to you calling local police to confirm their identity. (While on KU's campus, you can call 911 or  785-864-5900 to confirm an agent’s identity.) People trying to impersonate an ICE agent often travel alone, wear an ICE tactical vest, show a badge without credentials ID, randomly ask for proof of citizenship, and/or ask to follow you home or demand money. Read more about fake ICE agents.

Documentation 

Documents to carry

All F-1 and J-1 students, scholars, and KU sponsored international employees (in H-1B, O-1, and TN status) should carry the printout of their I-94. Get it at the I-94 Official Website. Note: For some individuals (i.e. some H-1B, O-1, or TNs 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.

We also recommend that you carry a photo ID, like a driver’s license, or a notarized photocopy of your passport’s photo ID page. Legal Services for Students will notarize your photocopy for free. All of LSS services are by appointment only, so contact them first at legals@ku.edu or 785-864-5665.

Travel outside the U.S. 

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: Currently, Executive Order 14161, on “Extreme Vetting” is in place. The impact of this order is not yet fully clear, but it may cause increased delays and denials in visa issuance for some individuals. To help consider the risk that your travel will pose, discuss travel plans with your supervisor or department chair and contact Human Resources, International Employment.

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.

Add emergency contacts to your phone and memory

If students encounter difficulties 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.

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.

Increased social media scrutiny 

The government is increasing their review of social media.  Use of social media may be reviewed during 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.

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 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.

Travel inside the U.S.

The ISS also offers advice for Travel within the US.  Carry required documents (e.g., a printout of your I-94) when traveling. 

Key considerations for all faculty and academic community members

Understand classrooms as private spaces

If ICE agents arrive at a classroom or lab, faculty members should ask ICE agents to wait outside until class ends. Contact the  General Counsel’s Office immediately at 785-864-3276 for assistance. 

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 and TELUS Health Student Support as two resources dedicated to supporting student emotional health and well-being.