SEPTEMBER 25, 2017
The Office of International Programs provided the following information regarding the Presidential Proclamation dated September 24, 2017 pursuant to Section 2(e) of Executive Order 13780. The situation remains fluid, and we await guidance on the waivers noted in the proclamation.
Yesterday, a presidential proclamation was issued that affects travel to the U.S. for nationals of Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen. As more people read the language of the proclamation and interpret its meaning, information on this matter may change, so it is important to monitor the news on this if any travel is being considered. Please see the initial information from NAFSA Association of International Educators. You can also read the published proclamation from the link.
This is different from the previous executive orders that were issued, and each country included has specific restrictions that may not be the same as others on the list. There are exemptions such as those holding U.S. permanent resident status and dual citizens who are using a passport from a non-designated country. There are also waivers, and this is one of the parts where more information about how these will be viewed is needed. NAFSA expects that the Department of State will issue field guidance to clarify the waiver process.
This kind of news can be stressful even for those not planning travel. The Counseling Center is available free of charge to enrolled students and is a place for confidential conversations and guidance on any impacts to your study and wellbeing. https://counseling.olemiss.edu/services/
As always, please know that we are here to support your success at the university. If you have questions or want to talk about your specific plans, please contact us. We can also provide contact information for immigration attorneys which may be advisable in some situations.
Please feel free to contact the Office of Global Engagement or the Office of International Programs for any questions related to immigration status.
JUNE 28, 2017
The Office of International Programs provided the following information to international students, faculty, scholars, and staff on June 28, 2017 in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on the executive order also known as the “travel ban.”
HEADLINES YOU MAY SEE:
U.S. Supreme Court Grants Stay to the Preliminary Injunctions on the 90-day Travel Ban
What this means: This means that the previous court order blocking the March 6th travel ban will be halted. In other words, the travel ban is, generally, in effect, but with some important exceptions for students, researchers, faculty, and family members visiting them.
The court is allowing the ban to go into effect for foreign nationals who lack any “bona fide relationship with any person or entity in the United States.”
What this means: In practical terms, this means that [the ban] may not be enforced against any foreign national who have a credible claim of a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States.
EXAMPLES OF THOSE WHO LIKELY MEET THE “BONA FIDE RELATIONSHIP”
The Court gives the following examples of individuals who would likely have the required “bona fide relationship” with a U.S. entity, and therefore would remain exempt from the 90-day ban:
- Students who have been admitted to a U.S. school (e.g., F-1, M-1, or J-1 student)
- Workers who accept an offer of employment from a U.S. employer (e.g., H-1B, O-1, TN)
- Lecturers invited to address an American audience
To qualify as a bona fide relationship with a U.S. entity, the Court states that the “relationship must be formal, documented, and formed in the ordinary course, rather than for the purpose of evading [the executive order].
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
- Remain calm.
- If you are from one of the affected countries, consult the Office of International Programs before any travel outside the U.S.
- If you must travel outside the U.S., make sure you have all of your documentation.
- F-1: Most recent I-20 with Travel Signature; Valid passport; Valid visa; I-94; OPT card (if applicable)
- J-1: Most recent DS-2019 with Travel Signature; Valid passport; Valid visa; I-94
- H-1B: Original I-797 Approval Notice; Valid visa; I-94 (I-797 serves as I-94 if you have not left the U.S. since the I-797 was issued)
- E-3: Original I-797 Approval Notice; Copy of I-129 Petition; Employment letter; Valid passport; Valid visa; I-94 (I-797 serves as I-94 if you have not left the U.S. since the I-797 was issued)
- Permanent Resident: Valid Permanent Residency Card; Letter of Introduction (from OIP); Valid passport
- Make sure to check your email for any updates.
- You can also check the NAFSA travel advisory page here: http://www.nafsa.org/eoentry
Please feel free to contact the Office of Global Engagement or the Office of International Programs for any questions related to immigration status.