Immigration Resources
If you have concerns about your status or have been informed of changes to your student visa status, we recommend following these steps.
General Guidance
Carry copies of your documents with you
We recommend keeping COPIES of your important documents with you (not the original documents). These would include your passport, visa, birth certificate, and work-related documents, such as a copy of your WSU contract and information about any grants on which you are listed as an employee.
Review your social media
Consider being careful with what you post on social media, and under the current Presidential administration, consider whether the things that you post could put you at risk of being targetted.
Reconsider participation in political demonstrations
The current Presidential administration has explicitly threatened to punish international students who are seen participating in political demonstrations and protests. In the interest of your safety, reconsider participating in these events.
Reconsider international travel
If you must travel abroad, please review the US Department of State’s travel advisory site: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/
Know your rights regarding ICE on campus
While ICE is permitted to be in public spaces on campus, they are not permitted in PRIVATE areas without a judicial warrant. These spaces include residence halls, dining halls, classrooms, and secure labs. If you do see ICE attempting to access private areas on campus, contact WSU PD immediately at 313-577-2222.
For more information regarding distinguishing a judicial warrant from a non-judicial warrant, we recommend reviewing the following resources:
https://projectsouth.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Warrant-Fact-Sheet.pdf
If you have questions but have NOT been informed of any changes to your status…
We recommend contacting OISS
OISS, or the Office of International Students and Scholars, is the best source of immigration-related information on campus, and they are the best equipped to handle immigration questions. OISS can be contact by phone at 313-577-3422, or by email at oissmail@wayne.edu.
Additionally, a full FAQ page regarding immigration questions can be found here: https://oip.wayne.edu/oiss/sevis-questions
If you HAVE been informed of changes to your SEVIS…
1. Contact a Lawyer
We recommend using the AILA’s find an immigration lawyer website: https://ailalawyer.com
Do this ASAP!
2. Contact your program administration
The US government is no longer automatically informing WSU administration of what is occurring regarding student visa status changes, so please forward any notices you receive to your program leadership.
3. Reach out to the GSS Executive Board
Contact us at wsusomgss@gmail.com. We are working to build a network of organizations and programs to help provide groceries, necessities, and funds to assist in cases when a SEVIS has been revoked.
It is very important that you reach out using the GMAIL. We have been warned to keep this kind of contact and planning off WSU email servers.