FAQ: International Travel and Immigration

Updated October 20, 2025

International students, faculty, and staff are valued members of the Lafayette community. Lafayette also deeply values its global connections through many study abroad programs, internships, and global research opportunities. Given recent activity at the federal level, the College has created this FAQ to help address common questions regarding current travel and immigration concerns. Your thoughts, comments, and questions not covered here can be submitted to questions-federal@lafayette.edu.

All Students, Faculty, and Staff

What should I do if I encounter outside law enforcement officers on campus?

If you see outside law enforcement on campus, contact Lafayette Public Safety at 610-330-5330, confirm your location, and request an officer respond. Please document a detailed description of the individual, including any external indications that they are a government agent (e.g., clothing, badge, etc.), and the individual’s exact location.
If you are approached by outside law enforcement requesting information about you or another individual, inform the agent that the College has guidance/protocols in place to make sure that inquiries are addressed in a timely manner. Politely ask for the agent’s name, identification number, and agency affiliation, and immediately call Public Safety as noted above.
Do not release any information about students, staff, faculty, or others. If presented with a warrant, subpoena, or other documentation, inform the officer that you are not obstructing their process but need to contact Public Safety.
Public Safety and/or the General Counsel will inspect the documentation that the outside law enforcement or government agency provides.
Public Safety, in consultation with the General Counsel, will determine how to respond to the warrant, subpoena, or other documentation.
Please do not answer questions or provide personally identifiable information about yourself or anyone else unless required by a valid subpoena or warrant, and told to do so by Public Safety or General Counsel. Examples of personally identifiable information may include, but are not limited to, name, contact information, class lists, student schedules, etc.
If agents try to take something vital to the College (such as original copies of student records), explain why it is vital and ask for permission to photocopy it before it is taken. If materials are protected by privacy laws (such as FERPA or HIPAA), request that those documents not be inspected until you speak with the General Counsel. Document any information or materials that are taken. Ask for a copy of the list of items that are being seized during the search.
Please document the event and forward documentation to questions-federal@lafayette.edu.

I am aware of an international student who has changed plans and decided to remain in the U.S. due to concerns that they may experience difficulty returning to the United States to study. What can the College do to provide support?

If you know of someone in this position, please contact the Office of Student Life or the Dean of Students, or file a One Pard report. This will activate the College Care Team, which will connect with the student directly to provide support and resources.
The College is prepared to offer housing and food support if needed to accommodate students who find themselves in this position over the summer recess in a manner consistent with College policies and procedures.

I would like to consult with an attorney to obtain legal advice on immigration issues, travel abroad, and/or similar issues. Whom can I contact?

The College has the ability to facilitate limited consultations with pro bono legal counsel for students. For more information, please contact Ernest Jeffries, Vice President for Inclusion. His office phone number is 610-330-5140 (during normal business hours Monday through Friday), and his email address is jeffriee@lafayette.edu.
If you are currently working with Heather Hartner, Senior Director, Talent Management and Human Resources Operations, on a visa or permanent residency application, please contact Hartner. Where appropriate, she can facilitate a conversation with the attorney working on such an application. Hartner is the College’s primary internal contact for immigration-related issues for faculty and staff. She may also relay time-sensitive messages to the appropriate individuals at the College. Her office phone number is 610-330-5038 (during normal business hours Monday through Friday), and her email address is hartnerh@lafayette.edu.
If you do not fit into one of these two categories, the College has prepared a list of immigration attorneys (PDF file, Lafayette authentication required) you can consider contacting for legal advice and/or representation. If you choose to retain an attorney, you will be responsible for any fees they charge you.
There are a number of websites that may provide additional perspectives that could be helpful, including the American Civil Liberties Union, Immigrant Legal Resource Center, National Immigration Law Center, Higher Ed Immigration Portal, Informed Immigrant, and Public Counsel.

How is the College handling the recent travel ban and changes to the student visa process?

The College continues to keep a close watch on the SEVIS database, review records carefully to see if any campus community members connected to any of the countries implicated in the travel restrictions announced, and is prepared to offer outreach and support to any students, faculty, or staff who may be affected throughout the summer, including emergency housing and resources for students whose travel plans may change.

If I am detained at the border or denied entry upon arrival in the United States, can the College assist me?

In addition to familiarizing yourself with the additional resources linked at the bottom of this FAQ, notably ACLU: Know Your Rights While Traveling and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Information for International Travel, the following departments and individuals may be able to assist or direct you to additional supportive resources, depending upon your situation:

International Students: Janine Block, Associate Director for International Student Advising and Support/Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), is the College’s primary contact for international students. Her office phone number is 610-330-5546 (during normal business hours Monday through Friday), and her email address is blockj@lafayette.edu.
Study Abroad Programs: Rochelle Keesler, Director of International and Off-Campus Education, is the College’s primary contact for study abroad programs. Keesler may be contacted by students participating in study abroad programs now or in the future. Her office phone number is 610-330-5262 (during normal business hours Monday through Friday), and her email address is keeslerr@lafayette.edu.
Faculty and Staff: Heather Hartner, Senior Director, Talent Management and Human Resources Operations, is the College’s primary internal contact for immigration-related issues for faculty and staff. Hartner can provide assistance with documentation as well as access to external resources for support. Hartner may also relay time-sensitive messages to the appropriate individuals at the College. Her office phone number is 610-330-5038 (during normal business hours Monday through Friday), and her email address is hartnerh@lafayette.edu.
Faculty: For faculty members, Lauren Anderson, Dean of the Faculty, is also an important resource. Her office phone number is 610-330-5866 (during normal business hours Monday through Friday), and her email address is andersol@lafayette.edu.
After-Hours Support: Students, faculty, and staff may contact Lafayette Public Safety at 610-330-5330.

The College has the ability to facilitate limited consultations with pro bono legal counsel. For more information, please contact Ernest Jeffries, Vice President for Inclusion. His office phone number is 610-330-5140 (during normal business hours Monday through Friday), and his email address is jeffriee@lafayette.edu.

If you are seeking legal advice beyond what is provided through pro bono legal counsel, the College has prepared a list of immigration attorneys (PDF file, Lafayette authentication required) you can consider contacting for legal advice and/or representation. If you choose to retain an attorney, you will be responsible for any fees they charge you.

How is the College handling the recent Presidential Proclamation regarding the H-1B nonimmigrant visa program?

On Friday, September 19, the President of the United States issued a Proclamation setting out restrictions, including a $100,000 fee, for petitions under the H-1B visa program. Initial questions regarding the application of the Proclamation to existing H1-B visa holders caused the College to reach out proactively to international faculty and staff on Saturday, September 20, suggesting they curtail travel outside the country until more information could be gathered. Subsequently, the U.S. State Department posted an “H-1B FAQ”, along with statements from other federal agencies hyperlinked in the “H-1B FAQ,” clarifying elements of the Proclamation. These statements note that while the Proclamation requires a $100,000 payment to accompany any new H-1B visa petitions submitted after 12:01 a.m. EDT on September 21, 2025, according to the “H-1B FAQ,” it:

Does not apply to any previously issued H-1B visas, or any petitions submitted prior to 12:01 a.m. EDT on September 21, 2025.
Does not change any payments or fees required to be submitted in connection with any H-1B renewals. The fee is a one-time fee on submission of a new H-1B petition.
Does not prevent any holder of a current H-1B visa from traveling in and out of the United States.
Current H-1B employees, and individuals who are in the U.S. and for whom OISS filed an H-1B petition after September 21, 2025, requesting a change of status, amendment, or extension of stay, are not impacted by this proclamation.

While the College will continue to monitor the situation, one can find FAQs and periodic updates posted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services here.

The College continues to recommend that H-1B visa holders use discretion for international travel until the implications of this new Proclamation are more fully understood.

International Students

I am an international student with questions and concerns regarding maintaining my legal student status. To whom do I go for advice and support?

Janine Block, Associate Director for International Student Advising and Support/Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), is the College’s primary contact for international students. Block can provide assistance with reviewing and monitoring your SEVIS records, field emergency calls, and relay time-sensitive messages to the appropriate individuals at the College. Her office phone number is 610-330-5546 (during normal business hours Monday through Friday), and her email address is blockj@lafayette.edu.
The College has the ability to facilitate limited consultations with pro bono legal counsel. For more information, please contact Ernest Jeffries, Vice President for Inclusion. His office phone number is 610-330-5140 (during normal business hours Monday through Friday), and his email address is jeffriee@lafayette.edu.

I am an international student and I am interested in seeking legal advice. Whom can I contact?

The College has the ability to facilitate limited consultations with pro bono legal counsel. For more information, please contact Ernest Jeffries, Vice President for Inclusion. His office phone number is 610-330-5140 (during normal business hours Monday through Friday), and his email address is jeffriee@lafayette.edu.
If you are seeking legal advice beyond what is provided through pro bono legal counsel, the College has prepared a list of immigration attorneys (PDF file, Lafayette authentication required) you can consider contacting for legal advice and/or representation. If you choose to retain an attorney, you will be responsible for any fees they charge you.
There are a number of websites that may provide additional perspectives that could be helpful, including the American Civil Liberties Union, Immigrant Legal Resource Center, National Immigration Law Center, Higher Ed Immigration Portal, Informed Immigrant, and Public Counsel.

I am an international student who has changed plans to return home due to concerns that I may experience difficulty returning to the United States to study. What can the College do to support me?

If you find yourself in this position, please contact the Dean of Students. They will activate the College Care Team, which will connect with you directly to provide support and resources.
The College is prepared to offer housing and food support if needed to accommodate students who find themselves in this position over the summer recess in a manner consistent with College policies and procedures.

I am an international student and plan to return to my home country during summer or winter break. How can I best prepare for my re-entry to the U.S.?

In light of the continued uncertainty at the federal level and the often unique circumstances that surround individual travel plans, the College is unable to offer specific advice on whether or not international students should return to their home country during summer or other breaks from normal study. Given the evolving situation, however, we ask that you make decisions prioritizing your own judgments around safety. There are a number of websites that may provide additional perspectives, including the American Civil Liberties Union, Immigrant Legal Resource Center, National Immigration Law Center, Higher Ed Immigration Portal, Informed Immigrant, and Public Counsel.
This international travel advisory provides helpful information related to preparing to travel outside the U.S. and what one might expect upon return. This advisory does not take the place of legal advice. You should contact an immigration attorney to discuss your individual situation, immigration status, immigration history, criminal record, and any other factors that may impact your ability to successfully return to the United States after foreign travel.
The College has the ability to facilitate limited consultations with pro bono legal counsel. For more information, please contact Ernest Jeffries, Vice President for Inclusion. His office phone number is 610-330-5140 (during normal business hours Monday through Friday), and his email address is jeffriee@lafayette.edu.
If you are seeking legal advice beyond what is provided through pro bono legal counsel, the College has prepared a list of immigration attorneys (PDF file, Lafayette authentication required) you can consider contacting for legal advice and/or representation. If you choose to retain an attorney, you will be responsible for any fees they charge you.
If you are traveling outside the U.S. for short-term personal reasons while classes are in session, please note that you must make an appointment with your class dean to discuss your plans and notify the Office of International Student Advising & Support by completing the Temporary Absence Travel Reporting Form.

I am a citizen of one of the countries facing visa restrictions and travel bans by the U.S. What is Lafayette doing to provide support during these uncertain times?

The College is continuously monitoring activity from the federal government, including its recent consideration to add more countries to the travel ban list. You are vital members of our community, and we will continue to keep you informed as we learn more.

Additionally, the College continues to keep a close watch on the SEVIS database, review records carefully to see if any campus community members connected to any of the countries implicated in the travel restrictions announced, and is reaching out to those who are affected to offer outreach and support throughout the summer, including emergency housing and resources for those whose travel plans may change.

I am in the process of applying for a visa, or my visa is about to expire. What actions should I take?

Depending on your situation:

If you have already scheduled a visa interview, please proceed with your appointment as planned and make sure you have all the required documents with you.
If you need to apply for or renew a visa but do not yet have an appointment, continue checking your consulate website regularly and book the earliest available slot.
If you have not yet left the U.S. but were planning to travel abroad this summer, please contact Janine Block immediately to discuss your travel plans. Janine Block, Associate Director for International Student Advising and Support/Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), is the College’s primary contact for international students. Block can provide assistance with reviewing and monitoring your SEVIS records, field emergency calls, and relay time-sensitive messages to the appropriate individuals at the College. Her office phone number is 610-330-5546 (during normal business hours Monday through Friday), and her email address is blockj@lafayette.edu.

So that the College can stay in close touch, please update your current location and any upcoming or needed visa renewal appointments by completing this form.

Study Abroad and other College-Supported Student Travel Abroad

I am a student studying abroad. How can I best prepare for travel outside the U.S.?

In light of the continued uncertainty at the federal level and the often unique circumstances that surround individual travel plans, the College is unable to offer specific advice on whether or not to travel abroad. Given the evolving situation, however, we ask that you make decisions prioritizing your own judgments around safety. There are a number of websites that may provide additional perspectives, including the American Civil Liberties Union, Immigrant Legal Resource Center, National Immigration Law Center, Higher Ed Immigration Portal, Informed Immigrant, and Public Counsel.
If you are an international student planning to study abroad and have questions about maintaining your student status, Janine Block, Associate Director for International Student Advising and Support/Principal Designated School Official (PDSO), is the College’s primary contact for international students. Her office phone number is 610-330-5546 (during normal business hours Monday through Friday), and her email address is blockj@lafayette.edu.
Rochelle Keesler, Director of International and Off-Campus Education, is the College’s primary contact for study abroad programs. Keesler may be contacted by students participating in study abroad programs now or in the future. Her office phone number is 610-330-5262 (during normal business hours Monday through Friday), and her email address is keeslerr@lafayette.edu.
The College has the ability to facilitate limited consultations with pro bono legal counsel. For more information, please contact Ernest Jeffries, Vice President for Inclusion. His office phone number is 610-330-5140 (during normal business hours Monday through Friday), and his email address is jeffriee@lafayette.edu.
If you are seeking legal advice beyond what is provided through pro bono legal counsel, the College has prepared a list of immigration attorneys (PDF file, Lafayette authentication required) you can consider contacting for legal advice and/or representation. If you choose to retain an attorney, you will be responsible for any fees they charge you.
Students who are traveling abroad on College-funded or sponsored trips outside of study abroad (e.g., clubs, internships, etc.) are required to register their travel with the Office of International and Off-Campus Education.
Lafayette’s Information Technology Services (ITS) maintains a helpful technology guide for College-related international travel.

I am a student studying abroad. How can I best prepare for my return to the U.S.?

In light of the continued uncertainty at the federal level and the often unique circumstances that surround individual travel plans, the College is unable to offer specific advice on whether or not to travel abroad. Given the evolving situation, however, we ask that you make decisions prioritizing your own judgments around safety. There are a number of websites that may provide additional perspectives, including the American Civil Liberties Union, Immigrant Legal Resource Center, National Immigration Law Center, Higher Ed Immigration Portal, Informed Immigrant, and Public Counsel.
This international travel advisory provides helpful information related to preparing to travel outside the U.S. and what one might expect upon return. This advisory does not take the place of legal advice. You should contact an immigration attorney to discuss your individual situation, immigration status, immigration history, criminal record, and any other factors that may impact your ability to successfully return to the United States after foreign travel.
The College has the ability to facilitate limited consultations with pro bono legal counsel. For more information, please contact Ernest Jeffries, Vice President for Inclusion. His office phone number is 610-330-5140 (during normal business hours Monday through Friday), and his email address is jeffriee@lafayette.edu.
If you are seeking legal advice beyond what is provided through pro bono legal counsel, the College has prepared a list of immigration attorneys (PDF file, Lafayette authentication required) you can consider contacting for legal advice and/or representation. If you choose to retain an attorney, you will be responsible for any fees they charge you.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Office of International and Off-Campus Education. Outside of normal business hours, campus dispatch is available 24/7, seven days a week, at 610-330-5330 and will be able to contact appropriate parties immediately.

International Faculty and Staff

I am an international faculty or staff member with questions and concerns regarding maintaining my legal residency status. To whom do I go for advice and support?

Heather Hartner, Senior Director, Talent Management and Human Resources Operations, is the College’s primary internal contact for immigration-related issues for faculty and staff. Hartner can provide assistance with documentation as well as access to external resources for support. Hartner may also relay time-sensitive messages to the appropriate individuals at the College. Her office phone number is 610-330-5038 (during normal business hours Monday through Friday), and her email address is hartnerh@lafayette.edu.
For faculty members, Lauren Anderson, Dean of the Faculty, is also an important resource. Her office phone number is 610-330-5965 (during normal business hours Monday through Friday), and her email address is andersol@lafayette.edu.

I would like to consult with an attorney to obtain legal advice on immigration issues, travel abroad, and/or similar issues. Whom can I contact?

If you are currently working with Heather Hartner, Senior Director, Talent Management and Human Resources Operations, on a visa or permanent residency application, please contact Hartner. Where appropriate, she can facilitate a conversation with the attorney working on such an application. Hartner is the College’s primary internal contact for immigration-related issues for faculty and staff. She may also relay time-sensitive messages to the appropriate individuals at the College. Her office phone number is 610-330-5038 (during normal business hours Monday through Friday), and her email address is hartnerh@lafayette.edu.
If you do not fit into one of these two categories, the College has prepared a list of immigration attorneys (PDF file, Lafayette authentication required) you can consider contacting for legal advice and/or representation. If you choose to retain an attorney, you will be responsible for any fees they charge you.
There are a number of websites that may provide additional perspectives that could be helpful, including the American Civil Liberties Union, Immigrant Legal Resource Center, National Immigration Law Center, Higher Ed Immigration Portal, Informed Immigrant, and Public Counsel.

I am a faculty or staff member preparing to travel internationally. What advice and support can the College offer me regarding international travel?

In light of the continued uncertainty at the federal level and the often unique circumstances that surround individual travel plans, the College is unable to offer specific advice on whether or not to travel abroad. Given the evolving situation, however, we ask that you make decisions prioritizing your own judgments around safety. There are a number of websites that may provide additional perspectives, including the American Civil Liberties Union, Immigrant Legal Resource Center, National Immigration Law Center, Higher Ed Immigration Portal, and Public Counsel.

If you decide to travel abroad, you may find the following information useful, particularly in an emergency situation:

Faculty and staff who are traveling internationally on College business are required to register their travel with International and Off-Campus Education.
Heather Hartner, Senior Director, Talent Management and Human Resources Operations, is the College’s primary internal contact for immigration-related issues for faculty and staff. Hartner will relay time-sensitive messages to the appropriate individuals at the College. Her office phone number is 610-330-5038 (during normal business hours Monday through Friday), and her email address is hartnerh@lafayette.edu.
Outside of normal business hours, campus dispatch is available 24/7, seven days a week, at 610-330-5330 and will be able to contact appropriate parties immediately.
In the event a faculty or staff member is detained through no fault of their own at a port of entry while traveling abroad on College business, or while acting within the scope of their employment domestically, the College is prepared to assist faculty and staff members in securing appropriate legal counsel at the College’s expense. If your travel is for personal reasons, the College has created a list of immigration attorneys (PDF file, Lafayette authentication required) you can consider contacting for assistance, and you will be responsible for the related expenses.
Lafayette’s Information Technology Services (ITS) maintains a helpful technology guide for College-related international travel.

I am an international faculty or staff member. How can I best prepare for my return to the U.S.?

In light of the continued uncertainty at the federal level and the often unique circumstances that surround individual travel plans, the College is unable to offer specific advice on whether or not to travel abroad. Given the evolving situation, however, we ask that you make decisions prioritizing your own judgments around safety. There are a number of websites that may provide additional perspectives, including the American Civil Liberties Union, Immigrant Legal Resource Center, National Immigration Law Center, Higher Ed Immigration Portal, Informed Immigrant, and Public Counsel.
This international travel advisory provides helpful information related to preparing to travel outside the U.S. and what one might expect upon return. This advisory does not take the place of legal advice. You should contact an immigration attorney to discuss your individual situation, immigration status, immigration history, criminal record and any other factors that may impact your ability to successfully return to the United States after foreign travel.
Heather Hartner, Senior Director, Talent Management and Human Resources Operations, is the College’s primary internal contact for immigration-related issues for faculty and staff. Her office phone number is 610-330-5038, and her email address is hartnerh@lafayette.edu. Outside of normal business hours, campus dispatch is available 24/7, seven days a week, at 610-330-5330 and will be able to contact appropriate parties immediately.
In the event a faculty or staff member is detained through no fault of their own at a port of entry while traveling abroad on College business, or while acting within the scope of their employment domestically, the College is prepared to assist faculty and staff members in securing appropriate legal counsel at the College’s expense. If your travel is for personal reasons, the College has created a list of immigration attorneys (PDF file, Lafayette authentication required) you can consider contacting for assistance, and you will be responsible for the related expenses.

I am a citizen of one of the countries facing visa restrictions and travel bans by the U.S. What is Lafayette doing to provide support during these uncertain times?

The College is continuously monitoring activity from the federal government, including its recent consideration to add more countries to the travel ban list. The College is also reviewing records carefully to see if any campus community members connected to any of the countries implicated in the travel restrictions announced, and are reaching out to those who are affected to offer outreach and support throughout the summer, including emergency housing and resources for those whose travel plans may change. You are vital members of our community, and we will continue to keep you informed as we learn more.

I am a current international faculty or staff member and holder of an H-1B visa. How does the recent Presidential Proclamation impact my visa status?

On Friday, September 19, the President of the United States issued a Proclamation setting out restrictions, including a $100,000 fee, for petitions under the H-1B visa program. Initial questions regarding the application of the Proclamation to existing H1-B visa holders caused the College to reach out proactively to international faculty and staff on Saturday, September 20, suggesting travel outside the country be curtailed until more information could be gathered. Subsequently, the U.S. State Department posted an “H-1B FAQ”, along with statements from other federal agencies hyperlinked in the “H-1B FAQ,” clarifying elements of the Proclamation. These statements note that while the Proclamation requires a $100,000 payment to accompany any new H-1B visa petitions submitted after 12:01 a.m. EDT on September 21, 2025, according to the “H-1B FAQ,” it:

Does not apply to any previously issued H-1B visas, or any petitions submitted prior to 12:01 a.m. EDT on September 21, 2025.
Does not change any payments or fees required to be submitted in connection with any H-1B renewals. The fee is a one-time fee on submission of a new H-1B petition.
Does not prevent any holder of a current H-1B visa from traveling in and out of the United States.
Current H-1B employees, and individuals who are in the U.S. and for whom OISS filed an H-1B petition after September 21, 2025, requesting a change of status, amendment, or extension of stay, are not impacted by this proclamation.

While the College will continue to monitor the situation, one can find FAQs and periodic updates posted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services here.

The College continues to recommend that H-1B visa holders use discretion for international travel until the implications of this new Proclamation are more fully understood. If these limitations present disruptions for your scholarly work, please connect with your DH/PCs who will work with you to mitigate these where possible.