USC sent out an advisory Tuesday morning urging international students to return to school before President-elect Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025.
USC is the fifth-most popular university in the United States for international students, and has the most of any California school.
The advisory details the possibility of denied entry for those who are traveling overseas during the winter break and hold F-1 and J-1 visas. With a new presidential administration taking office, USC said that executive orders may be issued that could affect international students and their visa status.
The Office of International Services strongly encouraged students to carry their travel documents with them as well as making sure that all travel documents are up to date. If re-entry complications arise, students can call the USC Immigration Clinic Hotline at 213-740-7435 and include their name, date of birth, nationality, current location (like an airport), and airline and flight number.
In the event of an issue or detainment at customs, students should know their rights. American immigration officers are allowed to conduct searches on persons, belongings, electronic devices and interviews without a warrant. If students are asked about their religion, political affiliation or beliefs, they have a right to a lawyer and remain silent. Officers may search through social media and other forms of communication, and denial of passwords could result in denied entry into the U.S.
For more information, visit https://uscimmigrationclinic.org/urgent-information/ and https://ois.usc.edu/students/travel/.