In recent years, with the increase in the number of international students, reports of student legal violations have become more frequent. The reasons are varied, and the outcomes are always heartbreaking.
Whether due to a lack of legal awareness or failure to realize the serious consequences, some international students always test the legal limits, such as...
Carrying Prohibited Items
Many international students, when returning to their home country, are loaded with specialty goods by their parents, and may inadvertently include small amounts of prohibited items.
A reminder to students: when going through customs, do not bring meat, dairy, eggs, fruits, vegetables, plants or seeds, as well as prescription medications obtained in China. Also, carrying more than $10,000 in cash must be declared.
Additionally, avoid bringing dangerous or easily misunderstood items.
On the 27th of this month, an incident occurred: a senior Chinese international student in Michigan was refused entry at Detroit International Airport when returning to the U.S. because he was carrying a bulletproof vest. Even though he declared it in advance and provided an explanation, his U.S. visa was revoked and he was subsequently deported.
Using Fake IDs
Drinking is very common among Chinese college students, but the legal drinking age in the U.S. is 21. This makes it very difficult for many undergraduate students aged 18-21 to adjust, and they often turn to fake IDs to enter bars or purchase alcohol.
Fake IDs generally fall into two categories: using someone else's ID by impersonating them, or using one's own photo but altering the age.
Usually, if caught at a supermarket or bar, staff may confiscate and destroy the ID and give a warning. However, if discovered by the police, the consequences are much more severe.
In one case, a group producing fake IDs was caught by police, who then traced a batch of international students using those fake IDs. Their F-1 visas were revoked, they were forced to drop out of school, banned from entering the U.S. for five years, and years of hard work in college went down the drain.
Academic Cheating
Academic cheating covers a much wider scope than we imagine. It includes not only exam cheating and having someone take exams or write papers for you, but also copying homework, buying answers, using test banks, and even reusing your own submitted work across different subjects—which can also be considered cheating!
When writing papers, learn proper citation. When discussing assignments with classmates, be careful that your answers are not too similar, to avoid raising the school's suspicion.
In the first class of every course, professors emphasize the importance of academic integrity and the consequences of violations, including but not limited to a zero on the exam, an F in the course, and reporting to the school administration.
Once reported, a record of dishonesty will remain, and penalties may include verbal or written warnings, probation, suspension, or even expulsion, affecting future career prospects. Students should never take chances.
Marijuana Use
After going abroad, international students often have a high degree of freedom away from their parents, face significant academic pressure, and need outlets. Combined with the influence of American peers, they may easily try marijuana.
Currently, marijuana is legalized in Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Oregon, Nevada, Vermont, Washington, Illinois, and the District of Columbia. In all other states, it remains illegal and can result in F-1 visa revocation and deportation.
Even in areas where marijuana is legal, students are not encouraged to try it. After all, it is a drug with some addictiveness that can affect academics and serve as a "gateway" to other drugs.
Research shows that those who use marijuana as adolescents have their brain's dopamine reward system disrupted, making them more likely to become addicted to other substances and have higher rates of alcohol abuse. If international students use marijuana and then return to their home country after graduation, they may be unable to quit, leading to adverse consequences.
OPT Fraudulent Employment
OPT stands for Optional Practical Training. F-1 visa holders can have up to one year of OPT after graduation, during which they are authorized to work in jobs related to their field of study.
If international students accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment during OPT, they must leave the U.S. However, many students who haven't found suitable jobs within the period may choose to engage in OPT "shell company" employment in order to stay.
Many companies that openly offer OPT shell employment, even advertising on Google, have provided OPT opportunities to thousands of students. According to statistics, among the top 15 companies that provided the most OPTs this year, 7 were such shell companies with no real business.
If investigated by immigration authorities, students will be required to leave immediately and face deportation. Also, these shell companies will be blacklisted by customs, making it highly likely to be sent to secondary inspection ("the little black room") or denied entry when re-entering the U.S. Even if not caught at the time, problems may arise later when applying for an H1B visa. Students are advised not to take such risks.
Most students going abroad are adults, carrying the high hopes of their parents and their own great aspirations. They don't want a moment's lapse of judgment to affect their bright future.
If you have any legal issues, be sure to consult school teachers or professional lawyers promptly. We hope all students can study safely and complete their studies successfully!
Click here for a U.S. entry guide: Afraid of the 'Little Black Room'? Are You Ready for U.S. Entry?
