As a Catholic, Jesuit institution, Marquette remains steadfast in its commitment to serve our F-1 and J-1 international students and scholars as a welcoming learning community that is open to people from a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives. The university is also committed to following the law and related Marquette policies with respect to immigration enforcement actions by U.S. officials.
Considering these commitments, and in response to recent increases in immigration and visa enforcement activity by U.S. government officials involving international students and scholars, Marquette is providing the following information and guidance.
Policy changes and government action impacting F-1 and J-1 students and scholars
The Office of International Education will continue to monitor these issues and provide general updates as necessary. Students and scholars whose SEVIS records are terminated by the government will be notified directly by OIE. While OIE is able to direct international students and scholars to resources and provide support, the university is not able to provide legal representation or advice to those facing specific issues. See below for links to legal resources.
Visa status
The best way to avoid immigration status risk is to be sure to maintain your F or J status by knowing and following the F or J regulations. Visit the OIE website for a summary of the F regulations and related Marquette forms and procedures, as well as a summary of the J regulations and related Marquette forms and procedures. Contact OIE with questions about these regulations.
In cases of contact with U.S. government officials off-campus in public or at your home, international students and scholars should be familiar with their rights as an individual residing in the U.S. with legal status. A summary of these rights is available on the website of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Students and scholars who want to consult with an immigration attorney can also use the AILA website to connect with a licensed immigration lawyer.
International students and scholars should always carry a copy of their most recent I-94 as evidence of registration in the U.S. immigration system. To print a copy of the I-94, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. Students and scholars traveling in the U.S. outside of Milwaukee should also carry a copy of their I-20.
International travel
Students and scholars considering travel outside the U.S. should exercise additional caution before deciding to travel given what appears to be increased scrutiny and enforcement actions during routine inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon reentry. Information about USCBP inspections and legal rights during entry can be found at the US CBP webpage on CBP search authority and at the ACLU website on enforcement actions at the airport.
Travelers should keep in mind that once a person travels outside the U.S. they are no longer entitled to the same constitutional protections as those present in the country, and there would be very little that could be done to aid in their return if they were not allowed entry after travel abroad.
In addition, students and scholars considering travel outside the U.S. should be aware that there is a strong possibility that the U.S. government will publish a list requiring partial or full suspension of admission to the U.S. for nationals of the countries on the list. It is not clear at this time, however, what countries may be included in this action and how/if this would apply to students, scholars and researchers.
As a reminder, the documents required for reentry to the U.S. by individuals maintaining F-1 or J-1 include the following:
- A valid passport
- A valid F-1 or J-1 visa
- An up to date I-20 or DS-2019 properly signed for travel
F-1 students traveling during approved OPT should also have a copy of their EAD card and a letter from their employer.
J-1 scholars are also encouraged to carry with them an updated letter from Marquette to confirm the university’s intention to continue their employment.
Existing protocol to respond to requests from outside law enforcement agencies
Occasionally, outside law enforcement agencies will come to campus for investigations under their jurisdiction. For any outside agency that comes to campus, it has always been Marquette’s policy to direct officials to MUPD first to verify there is a legitimate, lawful request and then to respond as required under the law.
- If you are in a Marquette building and approached by an official from an outside law enforcement agency who requests access to university facilities, students or student education records, you can contact MUPD at 414-288-1911 or through the EagleEye app and ask the non-MUPD law enforcement official to wait until an MUPD officer arrives or direct them to the MUPD office.
- Under no circumstance should you physically block or interfere with their entry/enforcement action. For more information, consult this guidance for interacting with non-MUPD law enforcement agents.
Third-party legal and government resources: know your rights
- Find an immigration lawyer
American Immigration Lawyers Association - Border search of electronic devices at ports of entry
American Immigration Lawyers Association - Traveling as an international student
Department of Homeland Security - Maintaining status
Department of Homeland Security - Know your rights if stopped by police
American Civil Liberties Union - Know Your Rights card (download)
National Immigration Law Center
Watch Marquette Today for updates. View the university’s general campus resources and guidance related to federal actions for more information.
RELATED CONTENT:
Update on federal actions affecting international students (April 10, 2025)
