Berkeley International Office
The Berkeley International Office, or BIO, shared an email April 7 detailing what international students should do in the instance of an “unexpected emergency” or if they counter immigration or law enforcement.
Consulting the office
The BIO email guidance told students to consult the office regarding the “legitimacy and accuracy” of communications they may receive from U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.
It said during BIO’s open office hours, which are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., students should call 510-642-2818 to get in contact with the office.
It also said to immediately contact bioemergency@berkeley.edu should students believe their visa has been revoked, if they’ve had contact with an ICE official or in the instance of another emergency situation after hours or when BIO is closed. BIO said it 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.”
Assistance from BIO
BIO said in the instance of a Student and Exchange Visitor Program, or SEVIS, record termination, which 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,” the office will reach out the visa holder directly with support information via both phone and email. Although BIO is not notified directly regarding visas being revoked, it does have access to a SEVIS system that could allow it to confirm a SEVIS record’s status.
Keeping your information up-to-date
BIO advised students to frequently monitor all email addresses — particularly the email address used in a visa application — for contact from any U.S. immigration agencies.
BIO also urged students to make sure addresses and phone numbers are up to date in CalCentral in case urgent communication is necessary.
American Immigration Lawyers Association
BIO also provided a link to the American Immigration Lawyers Association, or AILA’s, list of deportation specialists within 100 miles of Berkeley. Itsaid students are “strongly encouraged” to consult with an immigration attorney as soon as possible, and that it “strongly recommend” finding an AILA certified attorney.
Knowing your rights
BIO also encouraged students to visit the “Know Your Rights” page on its website. It gives information on protecting students’ status, a guide to “basic” U.S. rights, interactions with law enforcements and finding an attorney.
Mental health and stress management
BIO said its office offers in-person and virtual advising sessions in which students can talk with BIO advisors.
It also recommended that students consult University Health Services Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS, providing links for both urgent and emergency support needs. It said students can schedule same-day CAPS counseling appointments through the eTang Portal.
Students for Justice in Palestine
Students for Justice in Palestine, or SJP, also put out an “Anti-Repression Support Kit” to inform and prepare members of the community for potential “forms of repression” including ICE raids, immigration law weaponization and union suppression. Here are some of the resources it provides:
Legal support
SJP referred individuals to Palestine Legal, which focuses on protecting the rights of groups and individuals in the United States participating in activism related to Palestine. It linked to an intake form in the case of “doxxing, a conduct investigation, institutional retaliation, or anticipated contact with law enforcement.”
It also said the Bay Area Legal Collaborative provides “legal education, advice, advocacy, and representation” to those facing repression for protest or political activity. The collaborative consists of multiple groups, and itsrequest form allows an individual to request legal support from all of them at once.
Reporting tools
SJP recommends that campus students and postdocs use this form for support with “campus-based repression” or with assistance navigating other resources. There is a form for faculty and staff as well, linked here.
It added that in the instance of an emergency, individuals should call their 24/7 hotline at +1 877-395-3094.
Recent immigration policy changes
In this section, SJP laid out recent changes to U.S. immigration law, including allowing ICE to conduct operations in spaces such as schools, churches and hospitals that were previously designated as protected areas. Italso explains proposed travel bans for foreign nationals.
SJP links a factsheet regarding the protected area policies, an urgent travel advisory for foreign nationals and a community advisory about the travel bans.
