International Student and Scholar Services
Legal Issues and Resources

Immigration Problems

Students or scholars facing immigration problems should speak with an IS Advisor to explore options and clarify regulations.  Some international student issues will require the assistance of an immigration attorney.  In these cases, an IS Advisor will recommend the assistance of legal counsel.  If you wish to speak with a lawyer only for guidance, make it very clear that you only want to pay for a consultation. This assures that you will only pay the lawyer for one hour's consultation.  You are under no obligation to use the lawyer's services after the consultation meeting unless contracts have been drafted, agreed upon and signed.

Abiding by U.S. Law

Everyone present in the United States is subject to U.S. laws.  U.S. laws may be quite different from laws in other countries and international visitors should note that ignorance of the law is not a valid excuse for breaking the law.  The advisor will provide basic counsel about legal rights and help contact a lawyer if necessary.

According to U.S. law, any person arrested, including non-immigrants, must be informed of their rights by a police officer and be allowed at least one telephone call.  Additionally, arrested persons have the right to consult a lawyer free of charge before making any statements to the police.  If you have been arrested and/or convicted of a crime, please immediately report the incident to your IS Advisor.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

An educational institution may not refuse to report information concerning an F non-immigrant student or a J non-immigrant exchange visitor on the basis of FERPA.  This waiver of FERPA both authorizes and requires an educational institution to report information concerning F or J non-immigrants via SEVIS to the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State.  If you have any questions about what information OIP is required to report, please contact your IS Advisor.