A Zoom national briefing was held that brought together leading voices in immigration law, advocacy, and policy to discuss the increasingly complex environment faced by international travelers, especially immigrants, under the Trump administration’s stricter immigration policies.
The discussion opened with Sunita Sohrabji, who served as the moderator. She welcomed participants and introduced the distinguished panel of speakers. Sunita set the tone of the session by highlighting the urgency of knowing one’s rights at a time when immigration enforcement has become aggressive and unpredictable. She explained that the session would cover” know your legal rights at the border or at the airport in or out of YSA . specific incidents involving travelers, and guidance for immigrants navigating entry into the United States or exiting .
The first speaker, Zahra Billoo, Executive Director of CAIR-SFBA, spoke with conviction about the rise in civil rights violations targeting Muslims and other immigrants at the U.S. airports. She emphasized that despite the difficult political climate, individuals must assert their rights. Zahra shared that her organization has seen a sharp increase in cases involving airport harassment and unlawful questioning. She pointed out that federal agents often rely on intimidation, assuming travelers won’t push back. Zahra urged the audience never to sign anything without legal counsel, especially documents like Form I-407, which relinquish permanent residency. She further stressed the importance of community education and legal workshops, revealing that CAIR has expanded its “know your rights” sessions in response to growing demand. Zahra reminded everyone: “The law is on your side—you just have to know it and be brave enough to assert it.”
Richard Herman, a veteran immigration attorney and author, followed Zahra with a powerful presentation on how the Department of Homeland Security is using advanced surveillance tactics at the border. He explained that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents now often demand access to travelers’ phones, laptops, and social media accounts, even without warrants. Richard described cases where clients were delayed for hours because of online posts that were deemed suspicious or political. He warned that these searches, while legally contested, are becoming more common. He also shed light on how the aggressive policies are discouraging tourism and harming international education and viditors “We are witnessing a chilling effect on global travel,” Richard said. “Families are afraid. Students are reconsidering the thr U.S. as a destination. This is damaging America’s global image.”
The next speaker, Xiao Wang, CEO and co-founder of Boundless Immigration, spoke from both a professional and personal perspective. As a first-generation immigrant himself, Xiao shared stories of green card holders being coerced at the border into surrendering their lawful permanent resident status. He highlighted how CBP officers often isolate travelers, pressure them to sign Form I-407, and create fear that refusal will lead to detention or deportation. Xiao made it clear: “If you’re a green card holder, you do not have to give up your status. You have the right to a hearing before an immigration judge. Do not sign anything under pressure.” He also emphasized the emotional stress these experiences create for families and how Boundless is working to provide immigrants with accessible legal tools to protect themselves.
Madhurima Paturi, an immigration lawyer and founder of her own law firm, addressed the serious consequences of “extreme vetting” policies on international students. She revealed that thousands of SEVIS records—used to track student visa holders—had been terminated over minor infractions, such as late assignments or brief gaps in enrollment. Madhurima said that many students were unaware that these issues could jeopardize their legal status. “They are being punished for administrative errors,” she said, “and they are being deported without warning.” She urged international students to closely monitor their SEVIS status, stay in regular contact with school advisors, and seek legal help at the first sign of trouble. Madhurima also encouraged affected students not to panic but to immediately consult a qualified immigration attorney to explore reinstatement or other relief options.
As the meeting progressed, speakers answered questions from attendees and reiterated the importance of staying informed. All speakers agreed that current policies, while politically motivated, have long-term impacts on people’s lives, careers, and families. The panel is closed by encouraging travelers to prepare in advance and carry documents that prove ties to the U.S. (such as tax returns, leases, or pay stubs), and above all, know their rights are crucial
The overall message of the meeting was clear and urgent: being informed, assertive, and legally prepared is the best protection against overreach and abuse at the U.S. border. As immigration laws continue to evolve, advocacy and education remain essential tools for safeguarding civil liberties.
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