The University of Pennsylvania has again advised international students and scholars, including Nigerians, to always have their immigration documents with them as enforcement measures in the United States intensify.
The reminder was issued by the university’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) in a February 18 email. The message outlined the documents students are expected to carry and explained how they should respond if approached by law enforcement officers.
The email stated: “As an international student or scholar at Penn, you are lawfully present in the United States,” the email read.
ISSS advised foreign students moving around Philadelphia to carry photocopies of key documents. These include an unexpired passport biographical page, a visa page, and updated immigration forms such as the I-20 and I-94.
Students participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT) were told to keep digital copies of their “EAD Card and OPT I-20,” along with a USCIS approval notice where applicable. Permanent residents were also encouraged to carry a copy of their green card.
The advisory added that anyone traveling outside Philadelphia should carry the original versions of their immigration documents instead of photocopies.
The email also urged members of the international community to “remain calm, respectful and responsive” if stopped by law enforcement officers. Students were instructed to memorise and save the contact number of the university’s Division of Public Safety (DPS). The office assured them that its services are “available at any time, on or off campus — including while traveling within the United States or abroad.”
ISSS further warned students to be cautious of immigration-related scams, especially those that “demand payment” or request “personal information.”
“If a call feels suspicious, hang up and contact DPS,” the email read.
The guidance is the latest in a series of updates issued by the university amid changing US immigration policies. In June 2025, the United States imposed a travel ban affecting citizens from several countries. In December 2025, the office advised affected students to avoid nonessential international travel and to consult advisers before leaving the country.
The message concluded with further direction: “For non-emergency questions, contact your ISSS advisor,” the email read. “For urgent concerns, call DPS first.”
