International students planning to return home for next month's winter break are being warned that they might have a tough time getting back into the United States, USC officials say.
COLUMBIA, S.C. - International students planning to return home for next month's winter break are being warned that they might have a tough time getting back into the United States, USC officials say.
Increased security measures imposed after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks could make it tougher for some foreign students, particularly those from Muslim countries, to re-enter the United States.
Ali Syed, president of USC's Muslim Student Association, said some students he knows are afraid. A few have decided to stay in the United States rather than risk being detained, he said.
"It's unfortunate because these people had nothing to do with what happened (Sept. 11)," Syed said.
Patricia Willer, USC's director of International Programs, said most students have nothing to fear, but should be prepared for increased scrutiny.
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"There's a lot of rumors out there and a lot of real concerns," she said.
When students leave their home countries to study abroad, they are given permission from embassies and consulates to gain entry into the United States.
Normally, renewing an entry visa only requires proof that the student is currently studying abroad, Willer said.
But the State Department has warned that its issuing of re-entry visas for residents of 26 countries could be delayed by as many as 20 days for men between 16 and 45 years old.
All of those countries are in the Middle East or have significant Muslim populations. USC has about 70 international students from Middle Eastern countries.
Mexico and Canada also have tightened some restrictions for foreigners trying to cross the border.
USC is conducting several "travel clinics" between now and winter break to educate international students on the particulars of traveling abroad this season.
The university is advising all international students to carry copies of their transcripts and spring semester schedule with them while they travel.
"That way, if there's any questions at secondary inspections, they have supporting documentation. It's not an INS regulation, but it might make the process (of re-entry) easier," Willer said.
Still, many of USC's international students aren't worried about being getting shut out of the country.
"I'm planning on going home, and I'm not expecting any problems," said Amna Al-Hashmi, a medical technologies student from Oman, one of the countries on the State Department's list.
Al-Hashmi said she has already checked with embassy officials to confirm her entry visa is still valid.
Salma Al-Maawali, an accounting major from Oman, said even though the State Department's new visa restrictions don't apply to her, she's nervous about her trip home next month.
"If I can't get back, it will affect my status, and I won't be able to finish," she said. "I've worked hard to get my degree. I don't want anything to wreck that."
Knight Ridder Tribune
