In light of current circumstances, we understand you may have concerns when it comes to making travel decisions. We strongly advise all travelers to carefully consider their individual risks associated with leaving the United States. Exiting and re-entering the U.S. may carry potential risks due to evolving immigration policies and travel restrictions. We urge you to thoroughly review the latest guidelines related to your immigration status and consult with an immigration attorney regarding any questions or concerns. Several potential resources are outlined below.

The ACLU has prepared a Know Your Rights web page which discusses non-citizen considerations when encountering law enforcement officers while entering or leaving the United States, such as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the airport. Please note that this link to the ACLU webpage is an external information resource and is not to be relied upon as legal advice or recommendations of the University of California.

UC Immigrant Legal Services Center can assist with immigration-related and legal needs of the UC community, including employees. The Center should not be relied upon in emergency cases such as border detainment, rather they should be used in advance of travel and proactively for planning.

UC’s employer-sponsored legal plan, ARAG Legal Insurance, provides some benefits for immigration-related services. If you are not enrolled in that plan, a self-paid legal resource is available through the UC insurance partner, ARAG Legal Insurance, by enrolling in LegalNow. With the LegalNow service, you have access to network attorneys who can provide legal help for immigration issues, including:

• Legal advice and consultation
• Immigration processes and guidelines
• Filing and processing of applications and petitions
• Laws and regulations governing various types of immigration benefits, including asylum, adjustment of status, business visas and employment authorizations
• Deportation and removal proceedings
• Document review of any immigration forms
• Document preparation of affidavits and powers of attorney
• Preparation for immigration hearings

Cost: $269 per year (paid up-front)
Coverage: Immediate
Advice Telephone Attorneys: Phone access to state-specific network attorneys for timely advice, guidance, document review and preparation and follow-up calls and letters. Reduced Fee Benefit (for matters that require representation): Individuals can work with an attorney and receive 25% off a network attorney’s normal rate for legal advice and representation. DIY Docs and Online Learning Center are included.

In preparation for any re-entry to the United States, please consider the following:

1. CBP has search authority that extends to electronic devices crossing United States' borders.
2. We recommend that you consider returning to the United States directly to a California Airport rather than an airport in a different state.
3. Be sure to consider what content is on your electronic devices in advance of your arrival. For those that are required to travel with their UC-issued devices, UCOP Information Technology provides guidance on UCOP International Travel Information Security.
4. Leave copies of important documents with a trusted person.
5. Communicate with a trusted person as your turn with the customs officer approaches.
6. Have your phone, charger, water, a warm sweater, and snacks with you in your carry-on in case of secondary questioning.
7. Memorize phone numbers/write them down on paper and keep on your person a trusted contact, legal counsel, and your embassy.

If you need additional support, please contact the Employee Experience Center (EEC) at eec@uci.edu or 949.824.0500, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.