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*UPDATE*

On January 20th, 2021, President Biden issued a Presidential Proclamation revoking Travel Bans 4.0 and 3.0 which restricted travel from Iran, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Somalia, Nigeria, Venezuela, Myanmar, Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Sudan, North Korea, and Tanzania. Further details on the Proclamation on Ending Discriminatory Bans on Entry to the United States can be found online.

Travel for F-1 and J-1 students remains the same. For F-1 and J-1 students, please be reminded to travel with your valid passport, visa, and signed I-20/DS-2019. Students who have questions regarding travel should make an appointment with ISSS prior to departure.

Contact our office for any questions or to verify information you have heard from other sources.  ISSS and the University support you and value your presence on our campus and in our community.  ISSS, together with the University administration and other relevant offices, continues to monitor changes to immigration policy and enforcement to ensure we can provide you with current and correct information.

INFORMATION ON PREVIOUS EXECUTIVE ORDERS

Summary: The Trump administration released a proclamation effective October 18, 2017 that imposes restrictions on immigrant and non-immigrant nationals of several countries: Iran, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Somalia, North Korea, and Venezuela. Sudan and Chad, which were previously included are no longer impacted. Further details can be found online.

As of 6/26/18, the Supreme Court upheld the most recent Executive order/Presidential Proclamation regarding restricted travel from certain countries. The following countries continued to be impacted: Iran, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Somalia, North Korea, and Venezuela.

In Proclamation 9983 of January 31, 2020, the Trump administration expanded its travel ban to place visa and entry restrictions on travelers from six additional countries: Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sudan, and Tanzania. Further details can be found online.

GUIDANCE

We encourage all students and scholars to review our Frequently Asked Questions Related to COVID-19 page in regards to current immigration and travel information. 

 

Information Below is from June of 2018 and Left for Reference 

 

Information on Executive Order 

UPDATED 6/26/2018

Your Rights in the US | What to Do If Arrested or Detained

Summary: The Trump administration released a proclamation effective October 18, 2017 that imposes restrictions on immigrant and non-immigrant nationals of several countries: Iran, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Somalia, North Korea, and Venezuela. Sudan and Chad, which were previously included are no longer impacted. Please see below for important information about the impact on students and scholars.

  1. The Proclamation places restrictions on immigrant and non-immigrant entry to the United States for the countries listed above.
  2. Current, valid visas will not be revoked.
  3. U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents are not subject to travel restrictions.
  4. Restrictions are specific to each country. Please see this link for a chart which explains the basic restrictions for each country.  The link also describes exceptions and waivers to the travel ban.
  5. Note that Iranian nationals applying for F, J, or M visas are not subject to the new restrictions, but should expect increased vetting and visa processing time.
    For specific questions about the travel ban or visa delays, contact the Office of International Admissions or ISSS directly.
  6. The travel ban governs issuance of visas and entry to the United States. It does not impact USCIS processing of immigration benefits for individuals in the United States.

Potential Impacts

  • Visa processing has been reported to be extremely slow in many countries, including those not included in the ban. Vetting and security checks can be expected to increase.  Allow substantial extra time for visa applications and renewals. 
  • The Consulate will determine if an individual is subject to the ban or eligible for an exception or waiver during the visa application process.  
  • Relatives from the impacted countries are expected to have difficulty traveling to the U.S., as any waivers are on a case by case basis and require meeting certain specific conditions.
  • We expect to continue to see increased vetting/ questioning at the border and at the U.S. Consulate possible for anyone applying for a visa and entering the United States.  (See below for guidance).

Guidance

  • Nationals from the named countries may wish to remain in the US if currently here. If you decide to travel, please contact ISSS before travel to discuss possible risks.
  • We suggest that international students and scholars from the impacted countries avoid travel outside the U.S. You are welcome to contact our office to further discuss potential travel needs and risks. 
  • If you were planning, or need to have relatives visit you in the U.S., please contact the ISSS for guidance.
  • Expect increased screening at the U.S. border and consulates, including a review of your social media accounts. We do not recommend deleting social media accounts before entering; however we do recommend you are aware that what you are posting/ viewing will be reviewed upon entry.  
  • Departments, faculty, and staff working with impacted students and scholars are encouraged to contact ISSS with questions or concerns.
  • Contact the ISSS office for specific questions and concerns.
  • US citizen members of the U community with questions regarding travel to one of the impacted countries may contact the Global Risk Manager, Sean Bridegam.

Campus Communication

Resources

We know our students and scholars may be feeling afraid, anxious, angry, and uncertain about their future. If this situation negatively impacts you, or your ability to be successful as a student or scholar, please speak with an ISSS advisor as soon as possible.

The offices below can also provide support and resources.

University Counseling Center
http://counselingcenter.utah.edu/ 

Women’s Resource Center
http://womenscenter.utah.edu/

Last Updated: 3/22/23