March 6, 2017 Update: Information and Resources Regarding Executive Order Travel Ban
On March 6, 2017, President Trump issued an updated Executive Order (EO) that, beginning on Thursday, March 16, 2017, will bar entry into the United States of most citizens of six countries--Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen--for 90 days from today (around June 13-14, 2017). The EO does not apply to green card holders or to dual citizens who have citizenship of one of the six remaining countries who will be permitted to enter if they are traveling under a passport from a country that is not on the list.
In addition, the visa interview waiver program has been suspended (worldwide), which means that there will be delays in applying for visas to enter the U.S. It also means that it may be more difficult for individuals from countries not on the list to obtain or renew their visas. To the best of our knowledge, none of our current students are subject to the revised ban.
Detailed information on the EO is available from NAFSA, the Association of International Educators.
Please refer to this page, as well as the OISS Facebook page, for the latest information on the status of the EO. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the OISS office.
Travel Guidelines
Foreign nationals who are citizens of the countries included in the EO are permitted to travel outside of the United States and reenter if they hold a valid visa.
For foreign nationals deciding to travel abroad, OISS strongly encourages you to share your travel and contact information with our office by completing RISD's International Student Travel Form. By knowing your travel plans, OISS can inform you of policies that might impact you and support you should you have difficulty returning to the United States.
In addition, OISS advises foreign nationals to print and carry the RISD travel resource card so that you know whom to contact should you experience issues while traveling.
RISD Contacts
If you have any questions or encounter challenges while traveling, please contact:
RISD Public Safety (24 hours a day / 7 days a week)
+1.401.454.6376
Office of International Student Services
Office Hours: Monday- Friday, 8:30am- 4:30pm EST
+1.401.277.4957
oiss@risd.edu
Legal Resources
American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) are partnering to ensure that individuals are granted their rights to return to the United States if they have good immigration standing and the appropriate documentation. Both websites offer helpful information for residents and non-residents to understand their rights in the United States.
Tips for Surviving in a Time of Immigration Uncertainty
Know Your Rights in the United States
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
Guide to your Rights at the Border
National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
Related Campus Communications
