Fbi Surveillance On International Students: What's The Scope?

The FBI is responsible for protecting the US from internal and external threats, including those posed to colleges and universities. International students and professors provide indubitable contributions to their campuses' achievements, including financial benefits, diversity of ideas, and opportunities for cross-cultural exchange. However, the FBI acknowledges the need to protect campuses from potential threats and compromises. As such, international students may be subject to FBI background checks as part of the visa application process. This involves submitting fingerprints and relevant forms, and the process can be completed online or by mail, with varying processing times and associated fees.

FBI background check for visa applications

The FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division is responsible for FBI records checks, which are often required for visa applications. The FBI offers two ways to request an FBI Identification Record or to prove that no record exists:

• Submit a written request to the CJIS Division.
• Submit a request through an FBI-approved channeler, which is a private business that has contracted with the FBI. They will collect your fingerprints and data, then send this information to the FBI.

If you are submitting a request directly to the FBI, you must complete the Applicant Information Form (form I-783) and provide a set of your fingerprints. You can obtain your fingerprints from local police stations or an FBI-approved channeler, such as MR Fingerprints, which can obtain your fingerprints electronically and send them to the FBI within minutes. You can then mail your application to the Criminal Justice Information Services Division Federal Bureau of Investigation at 1000 Custer Hollow Road Clarksburg, West Virginia 26306. The anticipated processing time for an Identity History Summary (FBI clearance) is approximately 12 weeks, but the FBI-approved channeler may be able to expedite this process.

The FBI will also require a payment of $18 per person for the Identity History Summary Check, which can be paid via credit card or money order/certified check made payable to the Treasury of the United States. If you are unable to pay the fee, you can request a waiver by providing a claim and proof of indigence, such as a notarized affidavit of indigence.

It is important to note that the FBI does not provide name checks for Identity History Summary requests. Additionally, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates General do not directly provide this service and are unable to give guidance or advise on the status of mailed applications.

FBI criminal history check

An FBI criminal history check, also known as an Identity History Summary Check or a rap sheet, is a comprehensive review of an individual's criminal history records maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States. This check can be useful for various purposes, such as teaching English abroad, visa applications, or simply having proof of a clean criminal record. Here is some information on how to obtain an FBI criminal history check:

Who Needs an FBI Criminal History Check?

Those seeking to teach English abroad, particularly in Asia, may be required to obtain an FBI criminal history check. Countries like South Korea and Japan mandate a criminal background check for English teachers, and it is often requested by the hiring school. Additionally, a clean criminal record may be necessary for visa qualifications in certain countries.

How to Request an FBI Criminal History Check:

The FBI offers a few methods to request your criminal history record:

• Online Request: Visit the official FBI website and follow the application instructions. You will need to submit your fingerprints electronically, and the processing time is typically within 48 days.
• Mail Request: If you are outside the United States, you may need to request your criminal history check by mail. This option can be slower, and you will need to submit both the Identity History Summary Request form (FD-1164) and the Identity History Summary Request Form (Form I-783). Your fingerprints go on FD-1164, and Form I-783 serves as the application. This method is available regardless of citizenship or legal residency status.
• Local Police Station: If you are abroad, you can get your fingerprints taken at a local police station and submit them to the FBI.
• FBI-Approved Channeler: You can work with an FBI-approved channeler, a private business that has contracted with the FBI, to speed up the delivery of your criminal history check for an additional fee.

Additional Considerations:

• Processing Time: The processing time for your criminal history check may vary depending on the method you choose. Plan accordingly, especially if the check needs to be no more than six months old for your specific purpose.
• Authentication: Some countries or organizations may require an additional level of authentication, known as an apostille. Check with the requesting agency to determine if an apostille is necessary and how to obtain it.
• Cost: There is a fee for obtaining an Identity History Summary Check, currently $18 per person, which can be paid by credit card.

FBI's role in protecting academic freedom

The FBI, or Federal Bureau of Investigation, is the United States' primary intelligence-driven and threat-focused national security organisation. Its mission is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States. The FBI has a wide variety of investigative functions, including domestic and international terrorism, foreign counterintelligence, and cyber crime.

One of the FBI's key roles is to protect civil rights and uphold the law. This includes investigating violations of federal civil rights statutes and supporting state and local authorities in their investigations. Federal civil rights violations can take many forms, including hate crimes, law enforcement misconduct, violations of voting rights, human trafficking, and more. By investigating and prosecuting these crimes, the FBI plays a crucial role in protecting the academic freedom of students and educators in the United States.

For example, the FBI investigates cases of hate crimes motivated by bias against characteristics such as race, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation. This helps to ensure that students and educators from marginalised communities can pursue their academic endeavours without fear of discrimination or violence. Additionally, the FBI's investigations into violations of the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act help to safeguard the political and social rights of all Americans, including those in academic institutions.

Furthermore, the FBI offers training opportunities and assistance to local law enforcement officers through programmes such as the FBI National Academy and the Field Police Training Program. This helps to ensure that local police departments have the necessary skills and resources to effectively protect academic freedom in their communities.

In addition to its domestic responsibilities, the FBI also has a role in protecting international students and educators. For instance, the FBI may conduct background checks on individuals applying for visas to teach English abroad, particularly in popular TEFL destinations like South Korea and Japan. These background checks help ensure the safety and security of both the individuals involved and the host communities.

Overall, the FBI plays a crucial role in protecting academic freedom by investigating and preventing crimes, upholding civil rights, and providing support and training to local law enforcement. Their efforts help to create a safe and inclusive environment for students, educators, and academic institutions across the United States and beyond.

FBI's role in protecting national security

The FBI plays a crucial role in protecting national security and maintaining the safety of the United States. One of its primary objectives is to prevent terrorism and neutralize threats to national security. In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, the FBI's role in counterterrorism became even more prominent, with Congress and President George W. Bush placing the FBI under the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to enhance inter-agency collaboration on counterterrorism and counterintelligence.

The FBI has a dedicated counterterrorism division, with a significant number of its employees focused on this area. The agency works tirelessly to identify and thwart potential terrorist attacks, utilizing its broad investigative powers to gather intelligence and disrupt extremist activities. This includes monitoring suspicious activities, tracking known terrorist organizations, and analyzing intelligence to stay ahead of potential threats.

Additionally, the FBI is tasked with safeguarding the nation from various criminal activities that threaten national security. This includes combating transnational organized crime groups, such as drug cartels and human trafficking rings, that operate across international borders. The FBI also investigates economic crimes, cybercrimes, and other illegal activities that have a significant impact on national security, such as environmental crimes, violations of worker safety laws, and crimes against animal welfare.

Moreover, the FBI plays a critical role in protecting sensitive government information and infrastructure. It works closely with other agencies to secure government facilities, critical infrastructure, and cyber networks from potential threats, both domestic and foreign. The FBI's counterintelligence efforts aim to identify and neutralize spies, saboteurs, and other individuals or groups that seek to compromise national security.

In terms of international students, the FBI does not specifically target or monitor this group. However, if an international student is suspected of engaging in criminal or terrorist activities, the FBI has the authority to investigate and take appropriate action. This could include surveillance, interviews, and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of the nation. While there is no direct mention of the FBI checking on international students, it is important to note that FBI background checks may be required for international students seeking certain opportunities, such as teaching English abroad or obtaining a visa in certain countries. These background checks are typically initiated by the individual and are not indicative of the FBI specifically targeting international students for surveillance or investigation.

FBI's recognition of international students' contributions

International students and professors make notable contributions to the United States' academic environment, and the FBI recognizes and values the benefits they bring. As of 2018, over 1.4 million international students and scholars were participating in the US academic system, contributing to its successes and achievements. International students provide financial benefits, a diversity of ideas, sought-after expertise, and opportunities for cross-cultural exchange.

International students and professors are key to the production of advanced research, cutting-edge technology, and insightful scholarship. They also provide US campuses with much-sought-after know-how, particularly in fields that are underrepresented domestically, such as science, math, and engineering. Since 2000, approximately one-third of all US Nobel laureates were born outside the United States, with 39% of physics, chemistry, and medicine laureates based in the US during this period being foreign-born. This is despite the foreign-born population of the US being approximately 13% at the time of the 2010 census.

The FBI acknowledges the importance of international collaboration and expertise in addressing global crime and terror. The FBI's International Operations Division, through its legal attaché program, maintains close contact with foreign police and security officers, fostering international cooperation and information sharing. The FBI also prioritizes international training, providing foreign law enforcement officers with skills in investigative techniques and promoting cooperation in evidence collection.

International students also make significant economic contributions to the US. During the 2022-2023 academic year, international students at US colleges and universities contributed more than $40 billion to the US economy and supported over 368,000 jobs. International students enrolled in English language programs contributed $370 million and supported 3,164 jobs. These contributions have shown a rebound after the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a nearly $6.3 billion increase in economic activity compared to the prior academic year.

Frequently asked questions