Community Guidance on Immigration Policy and Enforcement

Dear members of the Dartmouth community,

We know that many of you have questions about recent and ongoing changes to immigration policy and enforcement actions.

Media reports indicate that the government plans to impose travel restrictions on citizens from certain countries in the coming days or weeks. The restrictions would be based on a Jan. 20 executive order calling for enhanced vetting and screening of noncitizens applying for a visa and/or seeking entry to the U.S. and that required certain government agencies to identify countries with deficient vetting and screening procedures.

Because those travel restrictions have not officially been announced, we do not know with certainty which countries will be affected or what the scope of the restrictions will be—including whether nonimmigrants holding F-1, J-1, H-1B, TN or O-1 status would be exempt for countries where a partial ban is imposed.

The Office of Visa and Immigration Services (OVIS) is working closely with our Government Relations and General Counsel offices to monitor this situation, and we have been communicating regularly with members of our international community. As soon as we have definitive information regarding travel restrictions, we will reach out directly to individuals from affected countries. But given the uncertainty, we want to ensure you are all aware of the following:

Additionally, many of you have asked about the likelihood of U.S. Customs and Border Protection setting up checkpoints near campus. We are not aware of any that have taken place so far this year, nor do we know of any that are scheduled. However, we encourage all international community members to travel with the appropriate documents.

As always, if you are an international student, faculty member, or staff member with questions or concerns regarding your travel plans, reach out to your OVIS advisor.

 

Sincerely,

David Kotz ’86

Provost

Susan Ellison

Director of Visa and Immigration Services