Dear Students and Colleagues, 

Over the last few days, you have likely seen news reports related to international students at Tufts University, the University of Alabama and Columbia University being detained by federal immigration authorities. Just yesterday, the U.S. Department of State also announced that it has revoked at least 300 or more student visas. 

News like this is distressing and frightening, especially for international members of our community. Please know that if a similar situation were to arise here at Temple University, we are committed to doing all we lawfully can to assist our students in these circumstances.  

If you have not done so already, we encourage all international students to avail themselves of the resources offered through International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). Students who need support can also reach out directly to the Office of Global Engagement at globalengagement@temple.edu or 215-204-9570, as staff members can help answer questions or direct them to the appropriate resources. 

Specifically, ISSS currently recommends that international students and scholars consider postponing any international travel plans until more information is available from the White House or the U.S. Department of State. If you are an international student and travel is essential, it is highly recommended that you engage a qualified immigration attorney before your trip. 

In times like this, we recognize that it is easy for rumors to circulate. We want to remind the Temple community that as of now, the university has had no reports of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers being on campus. As we have previously shared, we also have an established protocol for working with ICE and CBP agents. As a reminder, that protocol includes the following. 

• ICE agents attempting an immigration enforcement action on university property regarding our employees, students or clinical patients should be referred to University Counsel. 
• Personally identifiable information (PII) and/or protected health information (PHI) requires an arrest warrant, a search warrant or other lawful court order to authorize disclosure. 
• Any employee who receives a warrant, court order or subpoena should forward it to the Office of University Counsel at ucounsel@temple.edu and should take no action without further direction. 
• With the foregoing in mind and after making appropriate requests, university officials should not interfere with the activities of ICE or any law enforcement officer. 

As we continue to navigate through this complex landscape, I want to remind all Temple students, faculty and staff to take care of themselves. Support services, such as Tuttleman Counseling Services and our Employee Assistance Program, are available for anyone who may be in need of assistance.   

This is a fluid situation, and it is one that we continue to monitor closely. As we learn more details, I will be sure to share updates to keep the Temple community informed. Once again, I ask that we continue to lean on one another during these times of unprecedented uncertainty. 

Sincerely, 

John Fry
President