International Students
You are Welcome Here
We cherish the diversity of our community and will continue to do everything we can to protect it. During these uncertain times, the most important thing to do is to speak out. If you are experiencing immigration related challenges, or know someone else who is, please contact the TCS Global Engagement team immediately.
In addition, we are providing the following information to assist members of our community or their families who may be affected by administrative decisions regarding immigration or residency in the United States.
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Legal Resources
While we are unable to provide legal advice about entering or leaving the U.S. as a non-citizen or about immigration, we strongly recommend that you discuss any legal concerns with an attorney to determine your rights and any appropriate courses of action. This is especially the relevant for students contemplating international travel.
American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
AILA provides resources to aid in finding a lawyer. In addition, many state and local bar associations have lawyer referral services that offer reduced fee initial consultations.
American Civil Liberties Union
For general information about your rights, the American Civil Liberties Union can provide guidance in multiple languages regarding many particular instances, including:
- Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent visits
- Demonstrating or protesting
- Being stopped by the police
- Being questioned about immigration status
- Search and detainment
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Study Abroad for Non-U.S. Citizens
International students sponsored in F-1 or J-1 status should contact their Designated School Official for information related to their non-immigrant status. If you need assistance in identifying your Designated School Official (DSO), please contact Global Engagement or find your college’s contact information below:
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Faculty and Staff Resources
Faculty and staff with questions on how to address related issues in the classroom should contact or refer students to Global Engagement. They may also choose to review and share the following resources:
- We Have Your Back: How Educators Can Support Undocumented Students
- Stress Related to Immigration Status in Students: A Brief Guide for Schools
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Immigration Resources
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- USCIS Case Status
- InfoPass – Making an appointment with a USCIS Office
- USCIS: Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds – Final Rule, Monday, August 12, 2019
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- SEVIS Fee Payment – I-901
- Travel Information and Information for Re-Entry
- Applying for an F-1 visa in Canada or Mexico
- Fees for Visa Services
- Non-immigrant Visa Photos Requirements
- Visa denials
- Visa Wait Times (In addition to the time posted, factor in the time it will take for you to receive the document and physically have it in your hand)
- DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP)
- U.S. Visa Application Portal
- NAFSA: 10 Points to Remember when Apply for a Student Visa:
- How to Navigate the U.S. Immigration System
- Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates and Diplomatic Missions
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Global Engagement Contact
If you hear of someone on campus who needs help regarding immigration, please share this resource page with them. Global Engagement is serving as the central hub for tracking these issues and supporting campus leaders on related actions and policy.
If you are not sure whom to contact, please reach out to Emily Karem, Vice President of Global Engagement or 312-379-1610. Please feel free to share this information broadly.
If you are aware of a resource not shared here, please contact Global Engagement to let us know.
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Forms for International Students