The University of Pennsylvania has advised international students and scholars to carry their immigration documents at all times as federal immigration enforcement activity intensifies across major U.S. cities.
In a February 18 email obtained by the The Daily Pennsylvanian, Penn’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) reinforced guidance on personal documentation and outlined how students should respond if approached by law enforcement officers. The message also directed students to support resources offered by the university’s Division of Public Safety (DPS).
What Penn Told Students
ISSS reassured members of the international community that they are lawfully present in the United States.
“As an international student or scholar at Penn, you are lawfully present in the United States,” the email stated.
Students moving within Philadelphia were advised to carry photocopies of essential immigration records, including:
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The biographical page of an unexpired passport
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A valid visa page
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Updated immigration documents such as Form I-20 and I-94
Those on Optional Practical Training (OPT) were encouraged to keep digital copies of their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, an OPT-endorsed I-20, and any relevant approval notices from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Permanent residents were similarly advised to carry a copy of their green card.
For travel beyond Philadelphia, ISSS emphasized that students should carry original immigration documents rather than photocopies, noting stricter requirements that may arise during intercity or interstate travel.
The Backstory
The advisory is part of a series of communications issued by ISSS in response to evolving U.S. immigration policies.
In 2025, after the introduction of a federal travel ban affecting several countries, the office urged impacted students abroad to return to the United States promptly. In December 2025, further guidance cautioned against non-essential international travel due to expanded entry restrictions and encouraged consultation with ISSS advisers before departure.
The updates come amid heightened public debate over immigration enforcement, including protests in major U.S. cities and legislative efforts by local officials to limit the activities of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
What Students Should Know
Beyond documentation, the email outlined recommended conduct during interactions with law enforcement. Students were urged to:
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Remain calm and respectful
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Be aware of their legal rights
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Respond promptly and appropriately if approached by officers
The university reminded students that DPS support is available at all times — both on and off campus, including during domestic or international travel — and encouraged them to memorize the Penn Division of Public Safety’s contact number.
ISSS also warned students about immigration-related scams, particularly calls requesting sensitive personal information or immediate payments. Students were advised to end suspicious calls immediately and contact DPS for verification and assistance.
As immigration enforcement discussions intensify nationwide, Penn’s message underscores both preparedness and reassurance for its international community.
