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:
- Travel guidance for visa holders and permanent residents was recently posted on the OVIS website, and contains information for both domestic and international travel.
- For those traveling internationally on Dartmouth programs or for Dartmouth business, please refer to the Traveler’s Checklist website and register your international travel.
- The new International Student Experience team, led by Seun Bello Olamosu, is available to support undergraduate and graduate students.
- We have a government site visit protocol that provides instruction for what actions to take if you are approached by ICE or other law enforcement on campus.
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