Information and support options for the Penn community regarding immigration policy changes
NOTICE ON U.S. IMMIGRATION POLICY CHANGES
On Friday, January 27, the Trump administration issued an executive order suspending immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States for citizens and nationals of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Foreign nationals and passport holders from those countries should know that until further notice, they will face additional vetting upon entry into the U.S. and most likely will not be readmitted into the U.S. if they leave the country to travel abroad. The executive order also suggests that additional countries could be added to the current list of countries currently facing suspended entry.
Penn is dedicated to ensuring that all international members of our community thrive on our campus. We understand that rapid changes in immigration policy create uncertainty and apprehension for our international students and scholars and the entire Penn community. Penn remains fully committed to these valued members of our community, and to engaging globally to bring the best scholars and students from around the world to our campus. We will continue to monitor changes in federal immigration policy and provide timely updates to the Penn community.
Until more information becomes available, we advise the following:
All international students, faculty, staff, and scholars (this includes passport holders, citizens, nationals, dual nationals, etc.) planning to travel outside the U.S.: Carefully assess whether it is worth the risk to travel outside the country. We encourage you to contact your assigned advisor in the Office of International Student and Scholar Services, +1.215.898.4661 for guidance and to discuss additional specific questions resulting from the immigration suspension.
The Office of Global Support Services ,+1.215.898.1640, can provide additional information and guidance to Penn students, faculty, staff, and scholars planning academic activities or conducting Penn business abroad.
All international students, faculty, staff, and scholars currently abroad who may be affected by this executive order: Contact Jaime Molyneux, Director of International Risk Management and visit the International Travel Guidance website. International SOS (ISOS) is also available 24/7 for your security needs: +1.215.942.8478 (Penn Member ID: 11BSGC00012).
We encourage all international travelers to consider returning to the U.S. via the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) as their first port of entry into the country if at all possible, as the close proximity to Penn will allow for the most rapid response to any situations involving members of the Penn community that may arise upon entry.
Registering Travel
As always for any international travel, we strongly encourage you to enter your itinerary and contact information in the Global Activities Registry (GAR). Doing so enables us to expedite assistance if you need help while abroad. In light of the current immigration policy changes, it will also enable us to advise you prior to departure if immigration policy changes may affect your trip.
Help if Prevented from Returning to the U.S.
If you have been barred from getting on a return flight to the U.S. or detained at a U.S. port of entry, please contact Penn Police, 1-215-573-3333, who will notify appropriate Penn personnel.
Additional Resources
Penn Human Resources: +1.215-898-7281
Division of Public Safety: +1.215-573-3333
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): +1.215-898-7021 (nights and weekends, ask for CAPS counselor on call)
Student Intervention Services: +1.215-898-6081
University Chaplain: +1.215-898-8456
Biomedical Postdoctoral Programs: +1.215.573.4332, email: