If you are an international student or scholar and you would like to attend or participate in a protest or demonstration, it is important that you understand your rights and how to stay safe. Protest and free speech rights are protected by the US Constitution. We encourage you to review the resources below in order to stay safe and be prepared.
Non-citizens have several factors to consider when deciding whether to participate in a protest.
- Before heading to a protest or demonstration, it is a good idea to learn about immigrants’ rights when interacting with law enforcement.
- It is important to be aware that arrests, criminal charges, criminal proceedings, and convictions can impact your interactions with immigration officials, and if serious enough, your immigration status.
- Activities should remain peaceful and not pose a threat to the physical well-being of participants, bystanders, or observers.
- If the activities appear to become threatening in nature, disruptive, and/or some form of violence appears to be starting, you should leave the area. This is to make sure you remain safe.
- If law enforcement officials are called, it is important to follow their instructions and leave the area as they direct. Generally, there is only a risk of being arrested or charged with a legal offense when people become disrespectful, ignore instructions from law enforcement personnel, and/or violence is imminent.
- It is also important that you continue to maintain your immigration status – international students need to remember that their purpose for being in the U.S. is to be a full-time student, and they should continue to attend all classes. Visiting faculty and researchers need to continue the activities for which they are in the U.S. – teaching and/or research. Complying with University rules and codes of conduct are a part of maintaining status. Maintaining your studies and/or program activities is essential to ensuring that your immigration status is not at risk. If you are interested to learn more about this topic, information can be found here. If you have questions about what activities are allowed, please contact OISS or TULAP. We are here to help.
- In addition to considering the possible immigration-related implications, international students and scholars are encouraged to consider how their actions could be interpreted in their home country and what, if any, consequences may result if they return home. Each country has its own laws and expectations regarding what is acceptable speech both at protests and when posting on social media and online. OISS cannot provide specific advice about what may or may not be deemed acceptable speech.
Adapted from the University of Minnesota
