Interactions with Law Enforcement

Individuals who hold a nonimmigrant temporary immigration status in the U.S., and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) should carry the following documents with them to comply with U.S. law:

F-1 students

• Passport
• Form I-20
• Most recent Form I-94 record of arrival

J-1 students and scholars

• Passport
• Form DS-2019
• Most recent I-94 record of arrival

H-1B and O-1 beneficiaries

• Passport
• Form I-797 Notice of Approval of H-1B or O-1 status
• Most recent I-94 record of arrival

Lawful permanent residents should carry their green card

Individuals who hold another status in the U.S. should carry their passport and proof of their legal status in the U.S., and a copy of the most recent I-94 record, if applicable. 

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection I-94 database is generates electronic I-94 records of arrival.  At a minimum, have an electronic copy of your I-94 available on your phone or other device.  It is recommended to print a copy of the most recent I-94 record of arrival evidencing your last date of entry and admission in legal status.  You can access your most recent I-94 record of arrival from the CBP website.

As a non-citizen, it is important to know that an arrest, charge, or conviction could impact your current and future immigration status, future applications for immigration benefits, and your interactions with immigration and consular officials. 

It is important for international students and scholars to know your rights if you encounter law enforcement, while remaining calm and respectful.  Interactions can happen in a number of contexts including traffic stops, protests and demonstrations, or at the airport with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 

In addition to the potential impact to U.S. immigration status, you should consider possible consequences in your home country. 

If you have an interaction with law enforcement you should contact your OVIS advisor to understand the possible implications to your immigration status. OVIS can also provide you with a referral to an outside immigration attorney for legal advice. 

Dartmouth institutional policies to be aware of:

• Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct - https://sexual-respect.dartmouth.edu/policy/dartmouth-college-policy-sexual-and-gender-based-misconduct  
• Standards of Misconduct - https://student-affairs.dartmouth.edu/policy/standards-conduct  
• Code of Ethical Conduct - https://policies.dartmouth.edu/policy/code-ethical-conduct 
• Dartmouth Bystander Initiative - https://students.dartmouth.edu/wellness-center/prevention-education/dartmouth-bystander-initiative-dbi 
• Freedom of Expression and Dissent
• Use of the Green
• Overnight Use of Campus Grounds and Facilities

A complete listing of Dartmouth policies can be found on the Policy Portal.

U.S./NH laws and policies to know about:

• Driving and traffic violations - https://newhampshirecourtrecords.us/traffic-court-records/violations/ 
• Alcohol consumption and the drinking age - https://alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.gov/underage-drinking/state-profiles/new-hampshire/81 
• Drug use - https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt476/files/documents/2021-11/tcp-federallaw.pdf  
• Sexual misconduct -https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/LXII/632-A/632-A-mrg.htm 
• Domestic disputes - https://www.courts.nh.gov/our-courts/circuit-court/district-division/protocols/domestic-violence-protocols  

Additional resources about your rights as a non-citizen:

• National Immigration Law Center
• ACLU "Know Your Rights"
• AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association)