Dear Members of the Brown Community,

We understand that many in our community are feeling a great deal of uncertainty and anxiety as news media share reports of federal deportation actions against individuals who are non-U.S. citizens. This includes concerning reports affecting our own community of a couple of individuals refused entry upon returning to the United States after international travel and compelled to immediately depart. And this comes amid a federal order regarding deportation of non-U.S. citizens from Venezuela, which has been temporarily halted pending a court challenge, as well as reports that the federal administration is planning new travel bans that may affect large numbers of countries.

It is important to emphasize that, at this time, the federal government has not communicated any new or renewed travel restrictions or bans. At the same time, during this period of great uncertainty, we feel it's imperative to share reminders with Brown’s international community about travel outside the United States and to provide information about available campus resources. This is particularly the case as we approach Spring Recess.

While the guidance in this letter pertains specifically to personal international travel, if you have questions about whether university-related international travel is deemed essential and should continue in light of Brown’s financial sustainability measures, please refer to the March 13 guidance from Provost Doyle and EVP Latham, and please direct any questions to your unit head.

Out of an abundance of caution, we encourage international students, staff, faculty and scholars – including U.S. visa holders and permanent residents (or “green card holders”) – to consider postponing or delaying personal travel outside the United States until more information is available from the U.S. Department of State. Potential changes in travel restrictions and travel bans, visa procedures and processing, re-entry requirements, and other travel-related delays may affect travelers’ ability to return to the U.S. as planned.

For international students, staff, faculty and scholars – including U.S. visa holders and permanent residents (i.e., “green card holders”) – intending to travel outside of the United States, please review the What to Bring When Traveling guidelines outlining what documents to bring when traveling outside the United States. A set of FAQs and resources on the Office of Global Engagement (OGE) website provides additional information, including emergency contacts and steps to take if you encounter challenges at a U.S. port during re-entry. In addition, it is unclear whether there may be implications also for domestic travel within the United States as the federal policy landscape continues to evolve, so please consider carefully the potential implications if your domestic travel were to be disrupted.

For students staying in Providence during Spring Recess, residence halls will remain open. Sharpe Refectory will operate normal hours through the break (7:30 am - 7:30 pm daily) and the Blue Room will operate 8:00 am - 3:00 pm Monday through Friday. Upcoming community events and resources will be available and shared via Events@Brown. For a list of other available resources for international students, as well as staff, faculty and postdoctoral fellows, please visit the OGE webpage, which continues to be updated with resources, guidance and support.

We recognize that the federal actions related to travel continue to affect members of our community in deeply personal ways, including concern about family, friends and loved ones. Information regarding support services for students can be found on the Seek Support webpage of the Campus Life website, and resources for faculty and staff can be found on the Employee Assistance Program, Brown University Ombudsperson and University Human Resources webpages.

Please know that we are closely monitoring the situation and will share updates if and when the federal government issues a significant new restriction or ban.

Sincerely,

Russell C. Carey
Executive Vice President for Planning and Policy
Interim Vice President for Campus Life