CURRENT TRAVEL ISSUES
(Last Update: April 18, 2025)
As you are making plans to travel during summer 2025, please be aware of the following issues:
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 Student visas have been revoked and SEVIS records have been terminated across the U.S. (To date, no scholar visas have been revoked.)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
Travel Ban:
According to news reports, the current administration is planning on implementing travel bans barring individuals from certain countries from entering the United States. These travel bans may impact scholars as well as other travelers. Due to the possibility of travel bans being announced while you are abroad, we encourage you to carefully consider any international travel plans.
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.