The University of Pennsylvania has issued an advisory to its international students and scholars, urging them to carry their immigration documents at all times. This advice follows reports of increased federal immigration enforcement activity in major U.S. cities.

In an email dated February 18, 2026, and obtained by The Daily Pennsylvanian, Penn’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) reiterated guidance on personal documentation and outlined steps for interacting with law enforcement officers. The advisory also pointed students to support resources provided by the university’s Division of Public Safety (DPS).

According to the email statement, international students and scholars moving within Philadelphia are advised to carry photocopies of key immigration records. However, for travel outside Philadelphia, ISSS emphasized that students should carry original immigration documents rather than photocopies, reflecting stricter requirements that may be encountered during intercity or interstate travel.

This latest advisory is part of a broader series of communications issued by ISSS in response to an evolving U.S. immigration policy environment. In 2025, following the introduction of a federal travel ban affecting several countries, the office urged impacted students abroad to return to the United States promptly. Further guidance issued in December 2025 cautioned students against non-essential international travel amid expanded entry restrictions and encouraged consultation with ISSS advisers before departure.

These developments occur against a backdrop of growing public debate around immigration enforcement, with recent protests in major U.S. cities and legislative efforts by local officials to limit the activities of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) highlighting the heightened sensitivity surrounding the issue.

The guidelines covered behavior during interactions with law enforcement in addition to documentation. In addition to being informed of their rights, students were urged to maintain composure, show respect, and respond promptly if officers approached them.

The email reminded students that DPS support is available at any time on or off campus, including while traveling domestically or overseas, and urged them to commit the Penn Division of Public Safety’s phone number to memory.

Additionally, ISSS issued a warning against scams pertaining to immigration, especially those that involve requests for sensitive personal information or demands for payment. Students were instructed to end shady calls right away and get in touch with DPS for support and confirmation.