Traveling to the ISA: The New Tips

This post is both the most useful and most depressing I have ever posted....

From the International Studies Association:

Dear ISA Convention Attendees,
In response to the recent travel ban and the concerns of the ISA membership, we have been in contact with the ACLU of Maryland.  They have passed along some great resources and suggestions for travelers to the U.S., and what to do/who to contact should you not be allowed to board your plane to the U.S., or if you are detained at BWI or other airports.

1. International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP): Know Your Rights.

• http://www.isanet.org/Portals/0/Media/Conferences/Baltimore2017/IRAP%20KYR%20Packet.pdf 
• This includes the most recent temporary restraining order from the U.S. District Court of Washington that prevents Customs and Border Protection from denying entry to the United States if you have a valid visa to enter. The Ninth Circuit has continued to block enforcement of the Muslim ban, so anyone entering the U.S. with valid immigration documents should be able to enter. Customs and Border Protection is currently treating people entering the U.S. in accordance with the pre-executive order status quo.
• Please be aware however, that the Trump Administration may appeal the 9th Circuit decision to the Supreme Court, or they may revise the current executive order seeking to withstand legal challenge. Your ability to travel to the U.S. might change significantly if the current executive order is revised. As explained in the IRAP Know Your Rights materials, it is recommended that you travel to the U.S. as soon as possible, while the temporary restraining order protects the pre-executive order status quo. If the executive order is revised, we will provide updated information on any travel restrictions.

2. ISA HQ will act as a liaison with the ACLU of Maryland prior to Friday, February 17 to help address any questions members may have.   They can compile more information specific to the kinds of questions being asked. Please contact Jennifer Fontanella at jfontanella@isanet.org
3. Travel with the any/all of the following documents in hand. Show to any official if you feel your right to travel is being questioned.

• Department of Homeland Security statement on compliance with the recent court order: 
• https://www.dhs.gov/news/2017/02/04/dhs-statement-compliance-recent-court-order 
• https://www.dhs.gov/news/2017/02/03/statement-countries-currently-suspended-travel-united-states (applies to those people who are dual nationals, who are nationals of countries other than the 7 banned countries as well as others). 

• A copy of the letter of invitation from the International Studies Association stating that you will be attending the Convention in Baltimore, Maryland. Please feel free to contact Jennifer Fontanella (jfontanella@isanet.org) for a Letter of Invitation if you haven’t already.

4.  We recommend that you coordinate with either someone back at your home or a friend arriving in Baltimore to check in and confirm your safe arrival.
5.  The ACLU is recommending that if anyone is nervous about being detained, complete a Dept of Homeland Security Form G-28 (Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative) which you can give to any official to show that you have representation. Links to help find immigration attorneys are listed below.

HOW TO FIND AN IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY
American Immigration Lawyers Association: Lawyer search http://www.ailalawyer.org/
Immigration Legal Directory (available in multiple languages): https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/nonprofit/legaldirectory/
Immigration Advocates Network: https://www.immigrationlawhelp.org
National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild’s online find-a-lawyer tool: https://www.nationalimmigrationproject.org/find.html
National Immigrant Justice Center: Schedule a legal consultation by phone (312-660-1370) or email immigrantlegaldefense@heartlandalliance.org
The immigration courts’ list of lawyers and organizations that provide free legal services: http://www.justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legalservice-providers-map
Immigrant Legal Resource Center has a comprehensive online client intake form: https://www.ilrc.org/screening-immigration-relief-client-intake-form-and-notes

As always, please feel free to contact ISA headquarters with any questions or concerns you may have.