We recognize that international travel to the United States has become a source of concern for some participants due to uncertainty surrounding current U.S. immigration policies and media reports of heightened scrutiny at ports of entry. We regret that the current U.S. administration has contributed to this uncertainty.
It is important to note that approximately 80,000 international visitors enter the United States each day, and the vast majority does so without incident. While a small number of cases involving detentions or refusals of entry have received public attention, these remain relatively rare.
You may have seen news reports regarding a recent proposal by the Trump administration that would require some travelers to make their social media accounts or online activity available to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. At present, this is only a proposal. It is subject to a 60-day public comment period and potential legal challenges. Even if the proposal were to move forward, there would be additional time before implementation. We will continue to monitor developments, and there remains ample time before July to assess whether any new rules might affect conference travel.
Under current immigration conditions, international participants should be prepared to demonstrate clearly that they intend only a temporary stay in the United States for the purpose of attending the conference. While no organization can guarantee entry, careful preparation and clear documentation significantly reduce the likelihood of difficulties. We strongly recommend that travelers carry printed copies (not only digital versions) of the following documents in their carry-on luggage:
- A round-trip airline ticket showing arrival and departure dates
- Hotel reservations or other lodging confirmations with arrival and departure dates listed
- A printed copy of the conference program indicating your name and scheduled presentation or role
- Any visa documentation appropriate to your citizenship and purpose of travel
- Printed receipt documenting completed conference registration.
ESTA: If you are required to complete an ESTA form, we recommend listing your hotel—not the conference organizers—as your Chicago contact. Although it is extremely unlikely that a contact will be called at your point of entry, any missed call could potentially delay entry. Hotels are well equipped to receive and respond to calls reliably and can accommodate multiple inquiries at the same time.
In addition, William Cavanaugh, Professor at DePaul University, has graciously offered to prepare individual invitation letters on official DePaul University letterhead for international participants. These letters will confirm your official role at the Colloquium on Violence and Religion Annual Meeting and formally welcome you to DePaul University. These letters will be prepared and sent to international participants approximately one month prior to the conference.
We appreciate the challenges posed by the current climate and remain committed to supporting our international colleagues. Should conditions change in ways that materially affect travel, we will communicate updates promptly.