Immigration & Visa Resources

By Ajani Stella, Executive Editor

University Resources

Georgetown’s Office of Global Services (OGS) publishes the “International Student & Scholar Services” (ISSS) website, which covers the most pertinent information related to visas, immigration law and living and working in the United States. A personal favorite is the university’s list of international grocery stores, of which there are many across the District.

The ISSS website also includes a page dedicated to U.S. immigration and policy regulatory updates, which explains the most important regulations and whether they could affect students. Check this page frequently, even though not all of the updates will apply to you.

The International Student Association (ISA), organized as an official university club, also provides a safe space to meet with peers in a student-led setting. ISA hosts panel events, social gatherings and office hours and is open to anyone. Follow them at @georgetownisa on Instagram, or join their mailing list.

Legal Resources

International students will likely have to interact with U.S. immigration law, whether to renew their visa, answer routine questions from the Department of Homeland Security or apply for work authorization, known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT). It’s important to understand the law and know your legal rights.

OGS advisers are students’ first step for legal issues; students can book appointments online to learn more about their options and applicable regulations. You may require more expertise than OGS advisers. When looking for a lawyer, consult Georgetown’s public immigration attorneys guide, which includes advice and a reference list. You can also search for an attorney through the Immigration Advocates Network, the American Immigration Lawyers Association’s search tool or ImmigrationLawHelp.org.

If you’re facing significant legal issues, Washington, D.C., is home to various legal clinics that could support you or connect you with assistance. The American University Immigration Justice Clinic offers dedicated services for college students in and around D.C., including consultations, some legal representation and presentations on current issues. All of these services, part of the “Defending the AU Dream Initiative,” are completely free. The clinic also created a comprehensive frequently asked questions document for international students.

If you or someone you know is facing imminent legal action, including an immigration hearing or deportation order, you can contact staff attorneys at the D.C. Affordable Law Firm or from the databases above.

A final note: Make sure you’re familiar with the frequently-used terms and acronyms, such as F-1 and J-1 visas, SEVIS or CPT.

Know Your Rights

Non-citizens generally enjoy many of the same civil liberties as citizens, particularly First Amendment expression rights and Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable search or seizure. Immigrants can be subject, however, to additional scrutiny or challenges.

Georgetown notes that although international students have the right to engage in protests and political demonstrations, an arrest, suspension or expulsion can jeopardize their legal status to remain in the United States. Remember that an act of civil disobedience that involves property damage, trespassing or police action could result in an arrest. The university’s guide on protesting as an international student recommends you make “careful plans” in the event of any escalation, including bringing a mask or eye protection.

At Georgetown, any federal or state law enforcement agencies must coordinate with the Office of General Counsel and the Georgetown University Police Department (GUPD) to access students, facilities or records. Immigration authorities must have a warrant to enter private property, but they do not need a warrant to make an arrest.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), a leading legal nonprofit, published a one-pager detailing non-citizens’ rights when stopped, arrested or detained — you have the right to remain silent and to an attorney, but the government does not have to provide an attorney if you are in immigration detention. The ACLU also designed a “We Have Rights” webpage for immigrants confronted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. You can also consult Families United D.C. Metro’s civil rights page or iAmerica’s Know Your Rights page.

Resources for Undocumented Students

Georgetown maintains a dedicated website for students lacking permanent legal status, which includes financial aid, health insurance, academic advising and career resources. University leadership has repeatedly reaffirmed its support for students “regardless of immigration status” and has signed legal briefs defending undocumented students.

At the Cawley Career Education Center, undocumented students can meet with an adviser and learn more about entering the workforce. Georgetown also advertises resources from the Higher Ed Immigration Portal, such as a fellowship list that provides non-employment career opportunities. The nonprofit Informed Immigrant maintains a webpage with some resources for campus safety, mental health and income generation for undocumented immigrants.

Georgetown has a standing relationship with the Catholic Charities Immigration Legal Services, which provides free consultation and advice for undocumented students. You can contact [email protected] for more information.

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