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Re-entering the U.S.

Guidance/Tips for faculty and staff re-entering the U.S. after traveling abroad

The University of Michigan is committed to supporting all of our faculty and staff in their research, scholarly, and educational pursuits, domestically and internationally, as robustly as we can. Below we provide some practical tips on how to navigate the inspection process when re-entering the U.S. following international travel. This document is not legal advice; rather, it is a compilation of practical tips to facilitate the process as smoothly as possible. Please remember that most individuals cross the U.S. border in a matter of minutes without facing any search or extensive questioning. 

1. Understand Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) authority, including questioning, taking travelers to secondary inspection (even for hours), and seizing/searching devices. Follow the instructions of the immigration officer, be honest, and remain respectful during the process. CBP officers have the authority to search or seize the devices of U.S. citizens and foreign nationals entering the U.S. When it comes to CBP interviews, there are three categories of individuals:

  • U.S. citizens: CBP cannot deny re-entry to U.S. citizens. Be prepared to show your passport and answer basic questions about your trip. The refusal to answer questions may cause delays at the border. 
  • U.S. permanent residents: Individuals who have not violated their status cannot be denied re-entry. Be prepared to show your permanent resident documents and answer basic questions about your trip. The refusal to answer questions may cause delays. If CBP determines that the individual has violated their immigration status (e.g. failure to maintain continuous residence, aggravated felonies, etc.), they may initiate procedures for permanent residency revocation.
  • U.S. visa holders (e.g., H-1B): CBP officers have the authority to deny entry. They may determine to do so if the individual refuses to answer their questions or if they have reasons to believe that the individual is not admissible. The entry of any temporary visa holder is conditional to a CBP officer’s approval.

2. Electronic devices: Review best practices for traveling with electronic devices (laptops, tablets, phones, etc.). ITS provides specific suggestions and information at their U-M International Travel with Technology page, which includes the following guidance:

  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have the authority to search or seize the devices of U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries entering the U.S. When you re-enter the country after a trip abroad, you may be asked to provide access to your electronic devices.
  • CBP search includes an examination only of information that is resident upon the device at the time it is presented for inspection. Border agents must disconnect devices from the internet before searching.
  • U-M devices may contain confidential and sensitive information related to UM business and community members, and for this reason, we strongly recommend that you do not consent to the search and do not unlock the device. If the device is seized by a CBP officer, report the incident as soon as possible at security@umich.edu.
  • Note that non-U.S. citizens may be denied entry to the U.S. if they refuse to provide access to their devices, so they are strongly advised against traveling internationally with a U-M device.

Note that there are two types of electronic device searches that international travelers should generally understand. To this end, please review the content shared by CBP: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/cbp-search-authority/border-search-electronic-devices

Additional information, prepared by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), is available within this PDF.

3. Do not lie to CBP officers. As you determine how to answer questions, remember that it is a violation of law to lie to law enforcement officers, including CBP and Homeland Security officers. Don’t sign anything you don’t understand.

4. Plan ahead how to answer questions about your research focus. Be prepared to explain your research area in a high-level way that is simple and measured, to avoid officers misinterpreting what you do, triggering unnecessary delays.

5. For faculty and staff who are enrolled in the Legal Services Plan offered by U-M as part of its employee benefits, consider contacting their immigration legal assistance services. Faculty and staff who are not enrolled in the plan can pursue legal counsel through other legal resources. [See also item 9 below.]

Pre-reentry Preparation

6. Register Your Travel with the U-M Travel Registry before your departure. If you are traveling on U-M business (e.g., research or education related to your employment), you are required to register your travel before departure per SPG 601.31. The travel registry allows us to check on travelers’ well-being in the case of an emergency situation arising globally, including their re-entry in the U.S.

7. Notify a friend, family member, or a U-M colleague of your travel schedule and itinerary, including when going through immigration. Notify them before you enter customs so that they can contact the university or your attorney if they do not hear from you after a specified time (e.g., over 1-2 hours after you enter customs). Please note: making or receiving phone calls on your phone while in the U.S. customs area (e.g., while waiting in line or waiting for your luggage) is forbidden; thus, make sure to notify your contact while on the tarmac before you deboard your flight.

8. Have a communication plan in place in case you are asked to go to a secondary inspection:

  • Ask CBP officers if you can contact your attorney, colleague, or family/friend, depending on your preference. If you prefer to contact the University of Michigan, you can contact U-M DPSS (734.763.1131) who will contact the appropriate U-M emergency response staff member. In addition, for a written record of issues encountered at the border, also plan to email an emergency response member at the following address: OGCImmigrationEmergency@umich.edu.
  • If you are not able to make a phone call, ask your friend, colleague, or family member to contact U-M DPSS or your attorney in the event you have not passed through immigration within 2-3 hours. 
  • Note: There have been reports that people may not have access to their devices when in secondary inspection, so you may need to have the phone number of your emergency contact memorized or written down.

9. Contact an attorney before your departure if you believe that your situation merits legal counsel to better understand your unique risks, the likelihood and impact of potential consequences, and to plan next steps (ranging from additional risk-mitigation measures to altering travel plans). If you have enrolled in the U-M Legal Services Plan, you may contact the U-M service to determine what legal immigration assistance is available in your circumstance. Information is at:  https://hr.umich.edu/benefits-wellness/financial/legal-services-plan/covered-legal-services – You can also identify an immigration attorney through independent resources, including the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the Washtenaw County Bar Association.

Resources for faculty and staff planning to initiate international travel

The well-being of our U-M community is our top priority. To empower your safety and security during your international travels, Global Michigan offers a wide range of information, tools, and resources designed to equip you with an understanding of the conditions present at your destination before your departure — and how to navigate your environment once you arrive at your international destination. You’ll find information about country-specific risks and requirements—including information about the Safety Plan process, U-M policies, and travel safety, health, and security resources: https://global.umich.edu/travel-safety-and-wellness/ 

Updated April 30, 2025