Travel Guidance
(Last updated: 5 June 2025)
Given the change in administration, and both anticipated and emerging changes to federal policy, we are providing noncitizens grads of with practical guidance on international travel, navigating the border, and potentially dealing with federal agents.
Please note GLO’s actionable recommendations for data and social media safety when crossing the US border for grads of higher risk (eg: non-citizens, Palestinians, or social justice organizers).
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Countries facing Heightened US-Border Scrutiny
Before traveling abroad, we advise that you consider: currently restricted, previously restricted, and potentially restricted countries.
Populations Which May Encounter Border Difficulties:
Currently restricted “Full* and partial** travel ban,” "Countries of particular concern,” “Special watch list:” Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Cuba, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Haiti, India, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, the Republic of the Congo, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen.
Previously restricted (under Trump): Chad, Eritrea, Iran, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Myanmar, Nigeria, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Venezuela, Yemen.
As of 14 March, an internal Trump administration proposal lists the following countries whose citizens could face restrictions on entering the U.S. Restricted countries may change in any final order:
Red (all travel banned): Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen.
Orange (visa severely restricted): Belarus, Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Russia, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Turkmenistan.
Yellow (60 days to address concerns): Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Republic of Congo, Democratic, Republic of Congo, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe.
For this proposed list, anyone having travelled to or through those countries may also face increased scrutiny.
*Please note, as of 12:01am of June 9th, a federal order bans all citizens of the following countries seeking to come to the U.S. (permanently as legal immigrants or as temporary visa holders, like tourists): Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.
**Please note, as of 12:01am of June 9the, a federal order bans citizens of the following countries seeking to come other the U.S. on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, or J Visas: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela.
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TRAVEL PREPARATIONS
Make you sure that you have:
Essential Documents
Passport (valid for a minimum of 6 months) and a valid, unexpired visa with applicable immigration documents.
Enrollment/employment verification (Brown appointment letters or funding proof).
I-20/DS-2019 form with up-to-date travel signature (OISSS signatures are valid for 12 months and can be renewed via their dedicated gateway).
F-1 students on post-completion OPT or STEM OPT should carry the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and an employment verification or offer letter from the current or prospective employer in addition to above mentioned items.
J-1 students on post-completion Academic Training should carry extended DS-2019 with Academic Training notation and an employment verification or offer letter from the current or prospective employer.
H-1B and O-1 Scholars must carry a valid I-797 Approval Notice issued by USCIS. H-1B and O-1 scholars will want to travel with their most recent I-797 approval notice showing the validity dates of their O-1 or H-1B status.
Additional Documents Recommended by OISSS
Evidence of Financial Support: OISSS recommends that F/J nonimmigrants carry proof of the financial support and resources reflected on their Form I-20 or DS-2019.
Evidence of Current Semester's Enrollment (Student): F-1 and J-1 students should carry a letter certifying active student status and enrollment. The letter can be obtained from the Brown Registrar's Office in Page-Robinson Hall, 3rd Floor.
Evidence of Valid Appointment with Brown University (Scholar): J-1 Scholars should carry their official Brown University appointment letter.
Preparations in Case of Emergency
Make copies of all entry documents.
Document and memorize key emergency contacts.
Select a primary contact and furnish them with the contact details of family members, your attorney(s), and employer (in case you’re restricted to one phone call.)
Consider arranging legal representation in advance.
GLO Union members are eligible for a reimbursement from Brown of up to $1,000 in legal fees per fiscal year. (To do so, please go to UFunds, select ‘Graduate Student E-Gap Funds’, and then submit your expenses under ‘Nonimmigrant Graduate Student Assistance Funding Program’. We expect that dollar-limit to rise from 1 July, pending successful bargaining.)
All Local 6516 union members have access to dedicated immigration and labor attorneys.
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YOUR RIGHTS AS A UNION MEMBER & BROWN EMPLOYEE
Under our collective bargaining agreement, if you are denied entry into the country you are entitled to:
Remote work options;
Re-employment under another visa category;
Joint support from the union and the university.
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Actionable Recommendations for Data & social media Safety When Crossing the US Border
Please note, this advice is aimed at those of higher risk.
Essential Device Security - Before Crossing
Use strong encryption on all devices (phones, laptops, external drives) where possible
Disable biometric unlocking (face/fingerprint) and use strong passwords (13+ characters)
Consider using a "clean" device when traveling or at high-risk events
Enable multi-factor authentication on all accounts that offer it
Back-up essential data to encrypted storage before travel, remove it from your traveling devices, and then restore it when needed
Data Minimization - Before Crossing
Travel with minimal sensitive data, photos, and files to reduce risk exposure
Remove unnecessary union and organizing materials from devices before travel
Consider using temporary email accounts for travel periods
Use cloud storage services to access only what you need during travel
Avoid accessing union or political organizing platforms directly while traveling
Social Media & Communication Safety - Before Crossing
Audit your public social media presence before travel; temporarily deactivate if necessary
Use encrypted messaging apps (Signal with disappearing messages) for sensitive communications
Never use employer-provided devices or networks for union or political activities
Remove sensitive apps from devices before travel if possible
Consider logging out of browsers and apps that give you access to online content, and removing saved login credentials
Network Security - Before Crossing
Beware of untrusted networks including hotel WiFi and public hotspots
Consider using a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic when accessing sensitive information*
Consider using Tor Browser in high-risk situations where anonymity is needed
Avoid using public workstations or shared computers whenever possible
* Please note that some countries ban VPNs (Belarus, China, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Oman, Russia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, etc.). Please use discretion.
During Border Crossing
Power off devices completely before crossing borders (not sleep mode) – if you must turn them on, ensure that they are in airplane mode, with both wifi and bluetooth disabled, before crossing a border checkpoint
Know your legal rights regarding device searches at borders
Have emergency contact information written down separately from devices
Be aware that border agents may require device access with limited legal recourse
Post-Border Security
Change all passwords used during travel once you return
Wipe and restore devices used in high-risk areas before reconnecting to home networks
Check devices for signs of tampering or unauthorized access
Report any lost or stolen devices immediately to appropriate contacts
For detailed notes on data security and social media safety see here.
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We are here to support you. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
In Solidarity,
The GLO International Committee, the GLO Communications Committee, and Staff