Protest and Activism: Know your Rights and Risks
As a member of GW's international community, it is important to understand your rights and risks around protest and activism. Please carefully review the information below to help you make informed decisions about free expression while prioritizing your safety and understanding potential immigration implications.
Your Safety
- Before participating in any protest, plan carefully to prioritize your safety and stay in contact with others in the event of escalation.
- Be aware that you may be photographed or filmed, and your image could be shared publicly without your consent.
- This is especially important as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it will begin considering perceived antisemitic activity on social media in benefit adjudications. This impacts non-citizens applying for lawful permanent resident status, international students, and non-citizens affiliated with institutions linked to such activity.
- Review information about university policies and guidance on free expression at GW by visiting GW's Free Expression and Strengthening Our Community webpages.
Your Rights and Responsibilities
- Understand that you have the right to remain silent and do not have to discuss your immigration or citizenship status with police, immigration agents, or other officials. Learn more about your rights and how to respond to immigration questions if you are stopped by police or other officials by visiting the ACLU's Know Your Rights webpage.
- Remember that immigration law requires nonimmigrants and lawful permanent residents to carry proof of immigration registration. Please see here for more information on this requirement, including a list of acceptable documents. Requirements to Carry Immigration Registration Document and Report Change of Address | NAFSA.
Your Risks
- It is important for you to understand that, as a non-citizen, your current and future immigration status and visa applications could be impacted if you are arrested, charged, or convicted while participating in a protest.
- While participating in a protest, if law enforcement officials give any instruction to end activities or leave the area, you should comply with those instructions to avoid an arrest or charge.
- There is a risk of an arrest or charge if you become disrespectful, ignore instructions from law enforcement personnel, or if violence is imminent.
- To reduce risk to yourself, stay calm. Don’t run, argue, resist, or obstruct the officer.
- In addition to considering the possible immigration consequences in the U.S., we encourage you to consider how your actions could be interpreted in your home country and what consequences may result when you return home. Each country has its laws and expectations regarding what is acceptable speech, both at protests and when posting on social media and online.