CURRENT TRAVEL ISSUES
(Last Update: June 26, 2025)
U.S. Visa Applications
Social Media Screening
The Department of State has recently announced procedures to resume issuing visas with additional social media screening. The initial application steps will remain the same:
- Fill out and submit Form DS-160, the online nonimmigrant visa application form.
- Pay the nonrefundable machine-readable visa (MRV) application fee.
- Schedule your visa interview through the online portal.
If the consular officer deems you otherwise eligible for a visa (meaning that you meet all the basic requirements), your application will be initially "refused" under INA 221(g). This stops the application process so the officer can conduct additional administrative review.
You will be asked to set your social media profiles to 'public' so the consular officer may review the content of your social media profiles. Upon completing their review, the officer will either approve or deny your application, which will be reflected in the online visa status system.
Travel Ban for Certain Countries
Nationals from Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen are banned from entering the U.S., unless they have a valid visa issued prior to June 9, 2025.
Nationals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela are banned from entering the U.S. with B-1, B‑2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas, unless they have a valid visa issued prior to June 9, 2025.
Nationals from additional countries may be added to the entry ban depending on negotiations between the U.S. and those countries. Watch this page for updates.
Issues at the Border (Customs and Border Protection, CBP)
Phone Scrutiny:
Can Border Agents Search Your Electronic Devices? The ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) offers information on travelers' rights. Yes, your personal items may be searched when you re-enter the U.S. This includes your electronic devices (phone, tablet, laptop). These devices all give border officials access to your social media accounts and online activity.
Social Media Presence (Linkedin, Instagram, Facebook, etc):
You may be asked for your social media handles at any time by U.S. government authorities (Department of State when applying for your visa, Customs & Border Protection at the airport). Special attention may be given to any social media posts that appear political or against the current U.S. administration.
Additional Scrutiny at the Border:
We expect that more international travelers will be taken into Secondary Inspections by border officials when re-entering the United States after the summer break. Please plan accordingly and give yourself plenty of time to make connecting flights if your first landing point in the United States is not Portland International Airport.
Previous Encounters with the Law:
Customs & Border Protection (CBP) may prevent you from entering the U.S. if they have reason to believe that you have violated U.S. laws. If you have had encounters with any form of law enforcement in the U.S. we encourage you to meet with the immigration attorney before you leave the U.S.
Other Important Considerations:
Potential for visa revocations:
There have been unprecedented actions by the current administration. Student visas have been revoked and SEVIS records have been terminated across the U.S. (To date, no scholar visas have been revoked.) If this happens to your record while you are traveling, you will be unable to return to the US.
Some reasons for this might be:
- Interactions with U.S. law enforcement (police or immigration)
- Violation of U.S. laws
- Political statements, and or participation in political protest activity
Visa renewal considerations:
If you need to renew your visa before re-entering the United States, please be aware that you may face significant delays in visa issuance due to the cuts in federal funding and changes in regulations
Domestic Travel and REAL ID:
International scholars who travel within the U.S. will not need to get a REAL ID to travel after May 7, 2025. Your passports are acceptable forms of government issued identification. If you decide to get a REAL ID, it will only be issued for the same duration as your U.S. visa.
Other Considerations:
Don’t Pack a Pest :
While packing for a trip, it is important to know what foods and medicines, as well as plant and animal items, are not allowed in the United States.
Visa Consequences for Drug and Alcohol Use:
- The legal drinking age in the United States is 21 years
- Marijuana is still federally illegal for international students to buy, possess, or use.
- Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol and driving while intoxicated (DWI) can be detrimental to your immigration status.
- Visa Consequences for Drug and Alcohol Use Resources
Scams:
Be aware that there are many scams happening right now preying on international scholar’s anxiety. Government agencies will never ask you to pay money or disclose your personal information over an email or phone call. Do not give your credit card information or any personal information before checking with the PSU Office of International Student and Scholar Services.