Duke University advises international students not to leave the country

DURHAM, N.C. — Ahead of summer break, Duke University sent out a notice advising its international students not to travel outside of the United States.

According to the university’s website, it is advising international students not to leave the country “due to increased risks involved in re-entering into the United States.”

Duke says this advice applies to legal permanent residents and green card holders. The university advises students who cannot avoid traveling internationally to speak with a Duke Visa Services Liaison and contact an immigration lawyer.

“Immigration officers are exercising strict entry procedures as part of the ‘maximum vetting’ policy of the current administration, and an increasing number of travelers are being referred to ‘secondary inspection’ where they may face additional questions and device searches,” the university wrote on its website.

According to a recent Associated Press article, over 900 students at a total of 128 universities have had their visas revoked in recent weeks thanks to an immigration crackdown by President Donald Trump and his administration.

“Reports in March indicated that the federal administration is considering a broader travel ban on 43 countries,” Duke posted on its website. “As of April 18, no travel bans or restrictions have been officially implemented, but an official announcement could be released at any time, potentially with immediate effect. This means that if a member of the Duke international community is outside the U.S. at the time that a travel restriction upon their nationality is announced, that individual may not be able to re-enter the U.S.”