Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for International Students About Protests in the United States

1. As an international student, do I have a right to participate in protests in the U.S.?

The U.S. Constitution provides for freedom of speech and freedom of assembly to every person in the United States regardless of their immigration status. More detailed information about civil rights protections for immigrants in the U.S. can be found on the American Immigration Lawyer Association (AILA) website.

However, as an international student, it is important to be aware of possible repercussions for your immigration status if you engage in a protest, something goes wrong, and you get detained and/or arrested, which could lead to serious immigration consequences. The severity of those ramifications will depend on the specific details of any charges and may range from your student visa being revoked by the Department of State to being deported and barred from returning to the U.S. Even if the arrest does not result in any charges, it is possible that, at the minimum, your visa stamp will be revoked and will no longer be valid for re-entry into the U.S. It is important that you take this into consideration when deciding whether to participate in protests.

2. It is important to me that I engage in protest. How can I do so as safely as possible?

If you choose to protest, it is important to be mindful of the atmosphere and how the activity evolves. If the crowd becomes tense or threatening, or any form of violence begins happening, it is advisable to leave. While this does not happen in every protest, you must remain vigilant of the possibility of escalation. In such cases, demonstrators could be arrested leading to the potential immigration consequences outlined above.

3. I am scared and confused. Who can help?

It is understandable that some of you may feel uncertain about what is happening, both locally and around the world. Please know that resources are available to you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us:

• International Student and Scholar Services at isss@drexel.edu
• Student Center for Diversity and Inclusion at inclusion@drexel.edu
• Office of Counseling and Health Services at counsel@drexel.edu

PLEASE NOTE: If you are currently in crisis, please contact an on-call counselor at 215.416.3337. If you have a psychological/physical emergency and you need immediate attention, please dial 911 or visit your nearest emergency room.