Travel Information

Thank you for your important questions and for raising critical concerns. The American Anthropological Association (AAA) is committed to supporting all members of our international scholarly community, including international students, faculty, postdocs, and U.S. permanent residents (green card holders), and especially those navigating the challenges of international travel, visa uncertainty, and border enforcement. Please see below for our responses and available resources:

U.S. Visa Resources

International attendees requiring a visa to enter the United States can request an official invitation letter from the American Anthropological Association (AAA).

Guidance on Whether to Travel for Meetings

We recognize the uncertainty surrounding international and cross-border travel, especially for anthropologists who may face visa delays, indefinite detainment, or risk of blocked reentry. These concerns could include:

• Students
• International faculty and postdoctoral researchers
• U.S. permanent residents (green card holders)
• Anthropologists conducting summer fieldwork or teaching abroad

We urge all travelers to carefully assess the risks of leaving and reentering the U.S., particularly during the May–September period, when fieldwork and teaching abroad are common.

Practical Tips for Traveling to the U.S.

• Keep clear documentation of your travel purpose: conference registration, invitation letter, and student ID.
• Monitor U.S. travel advisories and your country’s embassy updates.
• Apply for your visa as early as possible to avoid delays.
• If questioned at the border, remain calm and consistent in explaining your academic purpose.

To support your decision-making, AAA offers:

• Personalized visa support letters or invitation letters
• A virtual-only event, November 14-15th, from 9 AM – 8 PM ET), intended to serve as an accommodation for those unable to travel.

Resources in Case of Travel Trouble, Including Legal Support

We recommend the following resources and organizations in the event of travel challenges:

Institutional & Legal Support

• Your university’s International Student or Scholar Office – often provides direct legal assistance or referrals
• National Immigration Law Center
• American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) – use their directory to find immigration attorneys. You can look up those in the city where you will first land in the U.S. and carry this list with you.
• MESA Advocacy Resource Center

Border Rights & Practical Travel Tools

• U.S. Border Patrol and Customs Information – Top Ten Travel Tips
• ACLU Border Zone Rights Guide
• Electronic Frontier Foundation – digital privacy rights when crossing U.S. borders
• Advocates 4 Trans Equality – for gender-diverse and LGBTQIA+ travelers
• CLEAR/CUNY – free legal support for international travelers (Spanish version available)
• We also recommend carrying hard copies of important travel documents (e.g., passport, visa, I-20 form, invitation letter, financial proof) and preparing for possible electronic device inspections at the border.

Please be aware AAA cannot provide legal guidance nor is AAA equipped to provide legal counsel to members.

Consideration of AAA Deadlines Given Travel Uncertainty

We understand that visa delays and travel restrictions can make it difficult to meet standard deadlines. Unfortunately submission deadlines cannot be extended due to the constraints imposed by the peer review process. If you have further questions, you can contact us directly at aaameetings@americananthro.org.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this Guidance is provided in good faith for informational purposes only. This information is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you have concerns about the issues raised in this Guidance, we encourage you to consult a qualified legal professional.