Dear Πή³΅΄σΆΣ Flyers,
As the 2024-25 academic year is coming to a close and summer break is approaching, the Πή³΅΄σΆΣ Office of International Affairs has updated guidance and advice regarding travel for the Πή³΅΄σΆΣ international community.
Due to the increased risks involved with re-entering into the United States, we are advising members of the Πή³΅΄σΆΣ international community to avoid international travel unless essential. If international travel is unavoidable, and you have questions or concerns about your upcoming travel, please contact the ISGSS Office or call 815-836-5118. You may also want to consult with an immigration attorney, particularly if you are a citizen of one of the countries for travel restrictions, or if you will need to obtain a new visa to return to the United States. You will also need an updated travel signature on your I-20. Reports in March 2025 indicated that the federal administration is considering a broader travel ban on 43 countries. As of May 2, no travel bans or restrictions have been officially implemented, but an official announcement could be released at any time – potentially with immediate effect. This means that if a member of the Πή³΅΄σΆΣ international community is outside the U.S. at the time that a travel restriction upon their nationality is announced, that individual may not be able to re-enter the U.S.
We continue to encourage caution with respect to international travel for individuals in a nonimmigrant visa category, including F-1 and J-1 visas. A valid visa does not guarantee entry to the U.S. due to the wide discretion granted to Customs & Border Protections officers at ports of entry. Immigration officers are exercising strict entry procedures as part of the “maximum vetting” policy of the current administration, and an increasing number of travelers are being referred to “secondary inspection” where they may face additional questions and device searches.
ISGSS has provided additional travel guidance, recommended documentation, and secondary screening information via email and in our “Important Reminders” module of the Blackboard Extended Orientation/ Resource page for international students. We encourage students to review all of that information and to contact ISGSS@lewisu.edu if you have questions or difficulty locating that page. Additionally, please review the immigrant student resource page here, and click to review your rights as an international student in the United States. If you must travel, carry the card with you and contact us ASAP if you encounter any issues.
Summer on-campus housing at Πή³΅΄σΆΣ is available to all Πή³΅΄σΆΣ students, and any international student may apply by completing the Summer Housing Application on their MyΠή³΅΄σΆΣ page under the Residence Life tab. Applications are open until May 10; after that, students must call the Office of Residence Life to apply for summer housing. The cost for summer housing is $2500 for the 16-week summer session, which includes a mandatory $100 meal plan. Students who have questions or would like additional information on summer housing can contact the Office of Residence Life at 815-836-5581 or Reslife@lewis.edu.
Πή³΅΄σΆΣ also offers many summer classes beginning May 19, and students staying on campus or locally may enroll in one or more summer class.
We recognize this message may generate questions, and we will answer those to the best of our ability. We are asking international students to share their questions and their summer plans in this .
