If you need to access your laptop, have it charged up and open when you arrive.
The Berkeley International Office (BIO) is sharing this resource with you for use in case of an unexpected emergency. You are a valued member of the Berkeley community, and out of concern for your welfare, we encourage you to become familiar with this information. We are aware of schools across the country reporting that the federal government is revoking the visas and/or terminating the F/J SEVIS records of international students, including within the UC system, and at Berkeley. You should be prepared to respond to immigration enforcement actions based on recent Executive Orders, even if you believe you have not violated any laws, including immigration related offenses.
We strongly encourage you to review the Know Your Rights resources available on the BIO website. It is possible that your interaction with law enforcement may not be as smooth as you would hope. Nevertheless, it is essential that you remain calm, and be aware of your rights. You may choose to provide only legally required information and request the ability to retain an immigration attorney before answering further questions.
What is a Visa Revocation and What is a SEVIS record Termination?
A visa revocation is the cancellation of the visa stamp in your passport by a Department of State or a DHS official. A SEVIS record termination is the ending of your F-1 or J-1 SEVIS record that is tied to your I-20 or DS-2019 and nonimmigrant status in the US.
How should I respond to a notification of a Visa Revocation? I am an international student and I received an email informing me that my visa has been revoked and that I should report to ICE. Because I have been maintaining my status, I have no idea why this is the case and what I should do.
You should first consult with BIO regarding the legitimacy and accuracy of any emails you may receive from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and you are strongly encouraged to consult with an immigration attorney as soon as possible. Recent cases suggest that appealing such actions can be challenging. However, legal advice can help you explore all of the options that are available to you. Before you decide what actions to take, we strongly recommend that you consult with your family or support network and an immigration attorney. If you go to an ICE office, there is a chance that you could get arrested and deported by ICE. Here is a link to the American Immigration Law Association (AILA) website to a list of deportation specialists in California, as well as a link to a shorter (more local) list who are within 100 miles of Berkeley. See additional details below on how to locate an attorney.
BIO recommends monitoring all email addresses for potential notifications, particularly any email address used in a visa application.
What can BIO do to assist me if my visa has been revoked or my SEVIS record has been terminated?
For SEVIS terminations, BIO will reach out to you directly by phone and email with support information. BIO has direct access to SEVIS and is actively monitoring for unusual termination activity.
In the case of visa revocations, BIO has access to the SEVIS system that may allow us to confirm the status of your SEVIS record, but does not provide any direct information regarding the status of the visa. BIO is not notified directly regarding visa revocations. BIO recommends monitoring all email addresses for potential notifications, particularly any email address used in a visa application, as you may be notified directly by a US immigration agency such as the Department of State or Department of Homeland Security/ICE. BIO can advise you about your responsibilities in the context of your status as an international student and provide you with resources on how to respond to your situation. Please contact BIO immediately through the following emergency email address (bioemergency@berkeley.edu) if you believe that your visa has been revoked or if you had any contact with an ICE official.
So that BIO can best assist you, please make sure that your local US address & phone numbers are up to date in Cal Central or the BIO SSU Hub ( post-completion F-1 OPT/STEM OPT or J-1 AT) in the event that BIO may need to contact you urgently.
How can I reach the Berkeley International Office in an emergency related to my immigration status?
If it is during BIO’s open office hours on Monday - Friday from 9am - 4pm, please call 510-642-2818.
If it is after hours or if BIO is closed, please email our emergency email address at bioemergency@berkeley.edu and an advisor will reach out to you shortly to discuss your situation. Emergency situations may include:
- Trouble at the U.S. Point of Entry
- Immediate danger of being deported from the U.S.
- Arrest
- Detention by a federal officer
- Direct communication or interaction with law enforcement regarding your visa and status
What should I do if ICE knocks on my apartment door?
The ACLU has put this resource together for individuals who may be confronted by ICE at their home. They outline specific steps you can take to protect yourself. Please familiarize yourself with this resource.
What should I do if ICE shows up at my workplace?
In the same ACLU resource you can find information on what you can do if you encounter an ICE agent at your workplace. Please familiarize yourself with this resource.
What should I do if an ICE agent approaches me on campus?
If an ICE agent approaches you on campus, please refer to the University of California’s official guidance for employees and students on federal immigration enforcement, available here.
I just got arrested by an ICE agent and I am currently in detention. I am allowed to make one phone call. Whom should I call?
You are advised to identify a predetermined friend or family member whom you should call should you get arrested. That individual (with your permission) can communicate with BIO about the arrest and can also assist you with identifying and securing an immigration attorney and other necessary resources. If you have concerns about a possible arrest, then you might want to set up your action plan in advance.
How can I find an immigration attorney?
Here are some recommendations about how to search for a qualified immigration attorney:
- If you are dealing with an immigration issue that may involve deportation, you will want to find an attorney that specializes in that area. Here is a link to the AILA website to a list of deportation specialists in California, as well as a link to a shorter (more local) list who are within 100 miles of Berkeley. We strongly recommend finding an AILA certified attorney.
- Read client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Google, or Yelp to get an idea of the attorney's reputation.
- If they are helping you with a criminal matter, they need to understand both criminal and immigration law, and the intersection of the two. You may wish to engage two attorneys: one criminal attorney and one immigration attorney.
Will the university cover my legal expenses or make an immigration attorney available to me if I am arrested or because my visa has been revoked?
At this time, the university is unable to set aside funds to cover the costs of an immigration attorney. That will be a responsibility that you would have to bear. You do have the option of contacting the San Francisco Immigrant Support Rapid Response Hotline or California Rapid Response Networks for legal assistance. If you have a particular hardship, please contact BIO for information about other legal resources.
I am feeling very anxious about possibly getting arrested and deported. Who can I talk to regarding my situation?
We understand that this is a stressful time for our international community. Berkeley International Office has virtual appointments and in-person advising sessions where you can speak directly with a BIO advisor. Our advising hours and options can be found on our Student Services website.
UC Berkeley enrolled students can visit our Mental Health Services website for an overview of resources that can support you during these difficult times. Take advantage of the resources offered by UHS Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). UHS has other useful resources for Urgent or Emergency support.
If you are in California, you can speak with a CAPS therapist via phone or video chat for free. They also have same-day counseling appointments via your eTang portal. The Let’s Talk Program also provides easy access to free, informal, brief consultation with mental health counselors from the Tang Center.
Finally, please know that these events that are impacting our international students have been very unsettling for all of us as a community. We want to reassure you that we will do all we can to support you during this difficult time and that we remain committed to the Berkeley Principles of International Engagement. Should you have any questions about the contents of this message please reach out to a BIO advisor. You can contact a BIO advisor for in-person or virtual advising or by emailing internationaloffice@berkeley.edu.
Sincerely, Ivor Emmanuel, Director
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