USC Urgently Advises Students To Return Before Trump Takes Office

LOS ANGELES, CA — International students attending the University of Southern California should return from their winter break before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, the university advised this week.

USC sent out an 'urgent advisory,' telling international students traveling overseas to return to school by Jan. 13 to avoid the risk of being denied entry into the United States under the new president, according to the USC student newspaper. Trump campaigned on a promise of mass deportations, adding considerable uncertainty and stress to the lives of immigrants, their workplaces, and the schools they attend.

International students traveling over the holidays may be denied entry back into the country with their F-1 and J-1 visas, the school warned.

According to USC Annenberg Media, the university is the state's top destination for international students and the nation's fifth-most popular for international students. More than 25 percent of the university's students hail from other countries.

"With a new presidential administration taking office, USC said that executive orders may be issued that could affect international students and their visa status," USC's Annenberg Media reported.

In fact, early into his first term, Trump threw travel from predominantly Muslim countries into chaos with a controversial executive order restricting travel. Though the courts curtailed the bans, the move triggered panic for Muslim families and scenes of heartbreak at international airports.

USC Gould School of Law urged students to carry their updated travel documents and to provide friends and family with the USC Immigration Clinic Hotline at 213-740-7435 before they travel.

International students should also know their rights and what to expect at airports, the law school recommended.

"At Ports of Entry, U.S. Immigration officials are permitted to search you, your belongings, electronic devices, and to interview you without a warrant, " accordng to the school of law. "U.S. Immigration officials will ask your immigration status and other questions about the nature and purpose of your travel in order to determine whether you have the right to enter the country. If you are asked questions regarding your religion, political affiliation, or beliefs, you may choose to remain silent and ask to contact a lawyer. However, if you are a non-citizen visa holder or visitor, you may be denied entry into the United States if you refuse to answer any of the officers’ questions."