International Students: Fbi Checks And Your Rights

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the domestic intelligence and security service of the United States and its territories, and it has broad powers to conduct investigations, collect intelligence, and enforce laws. International students studying in the US may be subject to FBI investigations if they are suspected of engaging in activities that pose a threat to national security or other criminal activities. The FBI recognizes the contributions of international students to US campuses, but it also acknowledges the potential risks associated with foreign adversary efforts to exploit America's accessible academic environment. To maintain a balance, the FBI works closely with international partners, security services, and law enforcement agencies to coordinate investigations and share information. Additionally, the FBI provides guidance to US students studying abroad to protect themselves from recruitment by foreign intelligence officers and advises them to report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.

FBI's role in protecting US colleges and universities

The FBI plays a crucial role in protecting colleges and universities in the United States. The organization actively partners with academic institutions to safeguard them from various threats and security challenges. One of the key priorities of the FBI is to protect students, faculty, and staff from violent incidents, including campus shootings and mass shootings, which have unfortunately become a significant concern in recent times. The FBI works closely with campus law enforcement to ensure they have the most up-to-date information, trends, indicators, and tactics to effectively address these threats.

Additionally, the FBI recognizes that colleges and universities are targets for foreign intelligence and non-state actors who seek to exploit the openness and freedom of academic environments. To counter this, the FBI provides counterintelligence tools and awareness training to help universities identify suspicious behavior and protect their facilities and sensitive information. This is particularly important as the academic community highly values sharing and collaboration, which can make them vulnerable to dishonest actors and organizations.

The FBI also addresses the threat posed by pedophiles and violent individuals who may target campuses. These individuals can act unpredictably, making it challenging for law enforcement to identify and prevent potential incidents. The organization works tirelessly to identify these threats and support campus law enforcement in maintaining the safety of the academic community.

Moreover, the FBI's role extends beyond physical security. They also protect the nation's economy, infrastructure, and democracy, which includes the safety and security of educational institutions. This involves safeguarding against cyber threats, ensuring the resilience of electronic infrastructure, and addressing any threats to the democratic values that colleges and universities uphold.

FBI background checks for international students

An FBI background check is a comprehensive review of an individual's criminal history records. While it is most commonly associated with Americans teaching English abroad, it is also required for other international visa applications. For example, some countries that request an FBI background check include Switzerland, Spain, and Croatia.

There are two methods to obtain an FBI criminal background check from abroad: online and by mail. The online method is the easiest and fastest way, with results available in three to five business days. To apply online, you need to complete the Applicant Information Form and download form FD-258 to record your fingerprints yourself. The fee may be paid via credit card, Amazon services, or PayPal.

If you choose to apply by mail, you will need to download and print the following forms: FD-1164 and form-I-783. Carefully follow the instructions to render your fingerprints on FD-1164 and fill out the I-783. You will also need to submit a set of your fingerprints on the Standard Fingerprint Form (FD-1164 or FD-258). The FBI recommends against using red or purple ink for fingerprinting. You can either take your fingerprints yourself or have them taken at a local police station. The cost for an FBI criminal background check is $18 per person, and you will receive your results by first-class mail within three to five weeks.

FBI's international law enforcement activities

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the domestic intelligence and security service of the United States and its principal federal law enforcement agency. The FBI has jurisdiction over violations of more than 200 categories of federal crimes. Its international law enforcement activities are focused on two key elements: the International Operations Division and international training.

International Operations Division

The International Operations Division is the foundation of the FBI's international program. FBI personnel abroad serve under the authority of the Department of State, chief of mission at United States embassies, and ambassadors and host country governments. The FBI has 62 legal attaché offices, or "legats," and 36 sub-offices in key cities around the globe, providing coverage for more than 180 countries, territories, and islands. The core mission of these legats is to establish and maintain liaison with principal law enforcement and security services in designated foreign countries. This liaison enables the FBI to combat international terrorism, organized crime, cybercrime, and general criminal matters effectively and expeditiously.

International Training

Through international training, the FBI provides foreign law enforcement officers with skills in basic and advanced investigative techniques and principles that promote cooperation and aid in the collection of evidence. Training allows the FBI to demonstrate major crime scene, counterterrorism, and other investigative techniques, while establishing better working relationships and strengthening cooperation among law enforcement personnel worldwide. Significant training programs include the International Law Enforcement Academies in Budapest, Hungary; Bangkok, Thailand; Gaborone, Botswana; and San Salvador, El Salvador, as well as bilateral training programs targeting anti-terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, and terrorist financing.

Other International Activities

In addition to the International Operations Division and international training, the FBI engages in other international activities to protect Americans and ensure national security. The FBI has stationed special agents and other personnel overseas to build relationships with principal law enforcement, intelligence, and security services around the globe, ensuring a prompt and continuous exchange of information. The FBI also works with academia, industry, and the public to protect U.S. campuses and academic environments from foreign adversary efforts to exploit America's accessible academic environment. This includes enhancing awareness among students and faculty about how to protect intellectual property, share information responsibly, and avoid potential threats.

FBI's liaison activities with foreign law enforcement

The FBI's liaison activities with foreign law enforcement are a crucial aspect of its international operations, aiming to combat transnational crimes, including international terrorism, organised crime, cybercrime, and other criminal matters. The FBI's International Operations Division, based in Washington, D.C., manages the legal attaché or "legat" program, which is central to these liaison activities.

Legal Attaché Program

The legal attaché program enables the FBI to establish and maintain close relationships with principal law enforcement and security services in designated foreign countries. These include foreign police, security officers, and national and international law enforcement associations. The program facilitates a prompt and continuous exchange of information, allowing for reciprocal assistance in investigations. Legal attachés, or legats, are the Director of the FBI's personal representatives in the countries they reside in or have regional responsibilities for. They are positioned strategically to enable quick response to global security matters, including terrorist attacks, cybercrime, and fugitive sightings.

International Training

International training is another key element of the FBI's liaison and international law enforcement activities. Through programs like the International Law Enforcement Academies, the FBI provides foreign law enforcement officers with training in basic and advanced investigative techniques. These techniques cover areas such as crime scene investigation, counterterrorism, and evidence collection. This training fosters better working relationships and strengthens global cooperation in law enforcement.

Relationship Building

As FBI agents do not possess traditional law enforcement powers overseas, they rely on strong relationships with foreign counterparts. Legal attachés maintain regular contact, often face-to-face, with foreign officials and security agencies. This relationship-building aspect is vital for information exchange, coordination with the Department of Justice and the Department of State, and direct support in defending against security threats.

Investigations and Information Exchange

The FBI's international liaisons facilitate investigations, especially in combating transnational crimes. While the FBI conducts investigations abroad only when invited by the host country, their liaisons and partnerships enable information exchange and evidence gathering. The FBI also exchanges identification and criminal history information with foreign police agencies, contributing to mutual support in investigations.

FBI's awareness campaigns for US students abroad

Studying abroad provides students with tremendous cultural opportunities and can equip them with specialized language, technical, and leadership skills. However, the marketability of these skills to U.S. private industry and government employers also makes these students tempting targets for recruitment by foreign intelligence officers. The FBI, as the lead counterintelligence agency in the U.S., has initiated awareness campaigns to educate American university students preparing to study abroad about the dangers of getting caught up in espionage activities.

The FBI's awareness campaigns urge students to be skeptical of "money-for-nothing" offers and other opportunities that seem too good to be true, especially those involving government processes such as obtaining visas and work papers. Students are also advised to minimize the personal information they reveal, especially on social media, and to avoid individuals with questionable government affiliations or suspected criminal activity.

Additionally, the FBI encourages students to take precautionary measures to protect their identities and devices, and to be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door service offers. They also advise students to research unknown sources and verify the legitimacy of businesses before engaging with them. Furthermore, students should never provide personally identifiable information, money, or financial details to unverified people or businesses.

The FBI's "Take A Beat" campaign is another example of their fraud awareness initiatives. This campaign urges the public to resist pressure to act quickly and instead take a moment to assess the situation. By slowing down, individuals can better identify potential scams and protect themselves from fraudulent activities.

Frequently asked questions