Safety & Security

INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS: RETURN TO THE U.S. 

Last update: 6 May 2025

Despite the enhanced processes, nearly one million people enter the U.S. daily without any issues. Nevertheless, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) maintains significant authority when it comes to screening travelers, and that can include asking detailed questions, checking your digital devices, and inspecting your belongings.  

Regarding anecdotal reports of increased detentions or secondary screenings at U.S. ports of entry, we would like to highlight two recent federal notices: 

• Jan 2025 Executive Order directing enhanced security screening and vetting of foreign nationals applying for entry into the US; and 
• Apr 2025 USCIS notice that they have begun screening “aliens’” social media activity for antisemitism 

Whether you’re traveling to visit family, for work or vacation, keep the following considerations in mind this Summer:  

• Carry proper documentation 
• Passports: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. 
• Visa stamp: Confirm your visa is valid and appropriate for re-entry. 
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD): Carry your valid EAD card, if applicable. 
• Proof of Ties: Approval notice (e.g., Form I-797), employment verification (such as a verification of employment letter obtained from your department and/or pay stubs). 
• Travel with transparency: Be prepared to explain the nature of your travel clearly and succinctly. 
• Be thoughtful with devices: CBP officers are permitted to inspect phones, laptops, and other digital devices. 
• If a university-owned device is subject to an advanced search, please notify your department and ITS. 
• Remain calm and courteous: If you are selected for additional screening, comply respectfully with all lawful requests.  

Contact with UNL: If you are a non-citizen and you are detained during a secondary inspection, you may wish to speak with a lawyer. You can find an immigration attorney at ailalawyer.com 

• You may also wish to call UNL’s International Student and Scholar Office at: 
• 402-472-0324 (during business hours, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Central Time, Monday - Friday) 
• 402-472-5163 (evenings and weekends – leave a message) 
• 402-472-2222 (UNLPD) 
• 402-472-7211 (University Operator) 

TRAVELING WITH ELECTRONIC DEVICES (ALL TRAVELERS): 

• Backup your data before your travel to ensure you won’t lose valuable information if your device is inspected or if your device is damaged during travel. 
• Keep all devices accessible. The safest option is to pack your electronic devices in your carry-on luggage. During a CBP routine check or inspection, an officer may ask you to turn them on and show their content. 
• Ensure that your devices are password protected. You may be asked to unlock them for inspection. While U.S. citizens don’t have to unlock them when asked, the CBP has the right to take your devices for further inspection. 
• If you are concerned about protecting your devices or data, lock your devices with a password instead of using biometric access (face or thumb scans), minimize the data stored on your device, use strong password protection or encryption, power down your devices, back up your data or consider using a temporary device for travel purposes. 
• If a device is confiscated, ask for a receipt. If this is a university-owned device, please notify your department. 

If you have any concerns about your specific circumstances, please reach out to the Office of Global Safety & Security at dlong@unl.edu. We can collectively assess risk and support travel planning.