Alerts

U.S. Decision to End the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) Program

Global Programs does not generally handle issues related to DACA. However, we often receive questions regarding these students. Below is a list for those seeking resources and information about the most recent DACA decision by President Trump and the Department of Justice.

Summary

The DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program, which provides an avenue for certain undocumented immigrants to remain in the United States, will end as of early March 2018. At that time, enforcement of immigration laws will return to its pre-DACA status and members of the program will be at risk for deportation.

President Trump is urging Congress to find a legislative solution in the six-month window given between the announcement and the determined end date of the program. Bills such as the DREAM Act provide avenues for making DACA legal, but some lawmakers support different approaches. It is unknown at this time exactly what the outcome will be.

Official Announcements

Statements

  • President Eric J. Barron – Statement (September 6, 2017)

Organizational Statements

DACA Renewal Fee Scholarship

  • Mission Asset Fund, a lending circle company in San Francisco, CA, is offering scholarships to pay the $495 renewal fee for 2,000 DACA recipients. You can find out how to apply at http://www.lc4daca.org/.

Other Resources

On-campus Resources

The following Penn State resources may be helpful to those affected by U.S. Immigration Policy changes.

U.S. Presidential Executive Orders Concerning the International Community

June 26 Update

On Monday June 25th the Supreme Court allowed parts of the Executive Orders on Immigration to go into effect.  The Court’s decision allows the temporary ban to go into effect for nationals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen who do not have a “bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States.  https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/16pdf/16-1436_l6hc.pdf

There is likely to be considerable confusion at ports of entry on what constitutes a bona fide relationship.  We would recommend that nationals from these countries not travel abroad in the immediate future while we see how this plays out over the next few weeks.  We will continue to update this page as more information becomes available. Last Updated: June 27, 2017

The Executive Order

For the latest information regarding this Executive Order, please refer to the following:

President of Penn State, Eric J. Barron - Message

Advising Contact Information

Current international students & scholars with questions, should contact the relevant units below:

Walk-in Advising Hours for international students and J-1 scholars:

  • Monday & Tuesday – 1:30 -  4:30 p.m.
  • Thursday & Friday – 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

How does the recent Executive Order affect study-abroad programs?

  • I am leading an Education Abroad program this semester, what do I need to know or do?  If your Education Abroad (EA) program is set to take place in its entirety prior to April 26, 2017, then some of your students may be affected by the executive order.  In this case, you should review your participant roster and communicate with your students factual information about the executive order.  If all of your participants are US citizens, you have nothing to be concerned about. Your planning for the international program is not affected by the executive order.  On the other hand, if there are international students among your participants, we suggest having a conversation with your students about its effect on program planning. If their citizenship is not in one of the target countries, then they should not be concerned at this time. However, they should ensure that they are in full compliance with all the requirements of their visa. If any of them is on doubt, they should contact a DISSA adviser.
  • What should I do if my students ask me if they should continue with our Education Abroad program?  The information currently available from the federal government is all that we have to work with at this time.  Therefore, we (faculty, staff, and students) need to make decisions about what is best for our own personal situation based on the information  before us.  Each student must make her or his own decision about whether or not participating in the program is right for them.  Refer students to the factual information and resources found elsewhere on this web page.  Remind your international students that all international students, regardless of their country of origin, must follow the regulations pertinent to their visa type for leaving and re-entering the United States.  This is a normal procedure, and if they have any questions, they are encouraged to contact their international student adviser in DISSA.
  • What steps should I take if some students are considering a withdrawal from the EA program due to the executive order?  When speaking with your students, set a date by which you need to hear from anyone concerning a withdrawal from the program.  Consider planning commitments you have in running the program; the notification date should be as soon as they make a decision, the sooner the better.  Students who decide to withdraw should be aware that their decision must be final and they should notify you in writing.  You should retain their written withdrawal for your records.
  • What do I need to do if a student withdraws?  If any student withdraws, then you must recalculate your program budget and determine whether or not you can still financially offer the program.  This may involve contacting the provider, accommodations and other planned components to make adjustments in the numbers as soon as possible.  Education Abroad can assist leaders in thinking through reduced enrollment ramifications.  Contact Kate Manni (kaf29@psu.edu or 814-863-3961).

Please notify the Embedded Programs Team (embeddedprograms@psu.edu) within Education Abroad immediately if there are adjustments to a roster you have already submitted.

On-campus Resources

The following Penn State resources may be helpful to those affected by U.S. Immigration Policy changes.

Contrast of Executive Orders on Immigration

  OLD NEW
TOPIC

EXECUTIVE ORDER  13769

(Signed January 27, 2017) - REVOKED

Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the US

EXECUTIVE ORDER 13780

(Signed March 6, 2017)

Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the US
Targeted Countries

Suspension of Issuance of Visas and Other Immigration Benefits to Nationals of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for 90 days

Suspension of Entry of Nationals of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen for 90 days.

Iraq removed from the list of targeted countries.
Review of Visa and Benefits

Secretary of Homeland Security (in consultation with Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence) will submit a report on a review of visa, admission and other benefit adjudications.

Secretary of Homeland Security (in consultation with Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence) will submit a report on a review of visa, admission and other benefit adjudications. (same)
Effective Date

Suspension immediate. Effective dates January 27, 2017 - April 26, 2017

Suspension delayed by ten days from signing. Effective dates  March 16, 2017 – June 15, 2017
Authority to Recommend Additional Countries

Countries can be added to the list by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Countries can be added to the list by the Secretary of Homeland Security. (same)
Scope of Ban

Applies to all nationals of the seven targeted countries

Applies to anyone who fits all three of the following criteria:

(1) outside of the U.S. on 3/16/2017; (2) did not have a valid visa at 5 p.m. on January 27, 2017; (3) does not have a valid visa on March 16, 2017.
Exemptions

Initially no exemptions, followed by exemption of permanent residents

Exemptions:  Lawful Permanent Residents; Valid Visa-holders; those paroled (someone who does meet admissibility, but is granted admission for a temporary period for humanitarian reasons); advanced parole – documentation for someone who has been approved for permanent residency but waiting to adjust; dual national as long as travel is on the non-designated passport; asylee and refugee
Granting Waivers

Waivers:  The Secretaries of State and Homeland Security can waive the suspension on an individual on a case-by-case basis for national interests.

Waivers:  The Consular Officer, Commissioner, and/or CBP may decide on a case-by-case basis to authorize the issuance of a visa or permit entry into the U.S. if the suspension would cause undue hardship.  Reasons may include the foreign  national: (1) had previously been admitted to the US for work, study or other long-term activity, and was outside the U.S. on March 16 and seeks to re-enter to resume that activity and denial would impair that activity; (2) has previously established significant contacts with the U.S. but is outside the U.S. for work, study or other lawful activity; (3) seeks to enter the U.S. for significant business or professional obligations and suspension would impair those obligations; (4) seeks to enter the US to visit or reside with a close family member who is a US citizen, permanent resident or alien lawfully admitted in non-immigrant status and the denial of entry would cause undue hardship; (5) is an infant or child needing urgent medical care; (6) has been employed by the US and has documented faithful and valuable service to the US government; (7) is traveling related on business related to international organization (https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM040203.html#M402_3_7_N) to conduct business with the US government; (8) is  landed Canadian immigrant who applies for a visa within Canada; or (9) is traveling as a US government-sponsored exchange visitor (it is possible, though unclear, that this could include those on the Fulbright program)
Implementing Uniform Screening Standards

Secretaries of State and Homeland Security, Director of National Intelligence, and FBI Director will develop a uniform baseline for screen and vetting standards and procedures.

Essentially the same as the old, but the Attorney General replaces the FBI Director.
Refugee Program

Syrian refugees barred indefinitely. All others barred 120 days. Number of refugees admitted to the U.S. in 2017 drops from 100,000 to 50,000.

All refugees barred for 120 days (Syrians included).  Number of refugees admitted to the U.S. in 2017 drops from 100,000 to 50,000.
Visa Interview Waiver Program

Suspension of Visa Interview Waiver Program

Suspension of Visa Interview Waiver Program (same)
Biometric Tracking System

Calls for Expedited Completion of Biometric Entry -Exit Tracking System

Calls for Expedited Completion of Biometric Entry -Exit Tracking System (same)
Terror/Crime Reporting

N/A

DHS will collect and make public information regarding nationals of the six countries who have been implicated in: terrorism, radicalization, gender-based violence against women ("honor killings"), "any other information relevant to public safety and security"

 

International Student & Scholars Scam Alert

It is important that you protect your identity and your wallet!

Do not become a victim of a scams, schemes, or theft. You should never share your passwords, Social Security number, bank account numbers, or credit card numbers when people call you. Know what to look for and how to avoid scams.

If something sounds "too good to be true," then it probably is. If you become a victim, there is little that can be done to have your money returned.

If you suspect that you are a victim of a scam, please report it! There is a chance that nothing can be done to help recover property you have lost, but your report is important to help stop theft from happening to another person. Make reports to: Federal Trade Commisson at 1-877-382-4357 or call U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement: 1-866-375-2423.

Learn more about how to protect yourself at Study in the States and the Federal Trade Commission.

Tips to know if you are contacted by someone asking for money or personal information:

  • Did someone promise you a job if you pay them?

Never pay anyone who promises you a job, a certificate that will get you a job, or secret access to jobs. These are Scams.

  • Did the IRS, Homeland Security, District Attorney's Office, FBI, Immigration, State Police or other "official" agency telephone saying you owe money?

These agencies NEVER call to ask for money. Government agencies do not call to threaten you or ask for money.

  • Are you or have you entered the Diversity Visa Lottery to get a green card?

It is free to apply and the choice is random. No one can increase your chance of winning.

  • Are you looking for legal help with immigration?

Use a lawyer or an accredited representative, never a notary public (notario).

  • Did you get a call or email saying you won something, (except there is a fee)?

Never pay for a prize. That is a scam. You will lose your money.

  • Did a caller offer to help you get back some money you lost?

No government agency or legitimate business will call and demand money to help you get money back.

  • Did you get a check from someone who asked you to give them part of t he money back?

Never give someone money in return for a check. Fake checks can look real and fool the bank. When it is discovered to be fake, you will have to pay back ALL the money.

  • Did you get an email, text, or telephone call asking for your credit card, bank account, or Social Security number?

Never give that information to anyone who asks over email, text or telephone.

  • Did someone call you to tell you they need to fix your computer remotely, but need you to log in?

Don't believe it. Do not give them any personal information or help them log on to your computer.