The Federal Bureau of Investigation can confiscate international students’ records without their knowledge or permission.
Following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the FBI has began to assert its right to obtain personal data about students studying in the country under student visas. Under the law, neither the FBI nor the university involved is required to let students know about the release of information.
Although the FBI has not contacted the University of Southern Maine, the University is willing to comply with FBI requirements, according to Registrar Steven Rand.
Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. has already given records over to the FBI.
“We will comply with the FBI rules,” said Rand, “But I doubt very much that they will come.”
The University would require a subpoena before releasing any records.
Currently, around 90 international students are studying at USM using student visas.
Domenica Cipollone, director of International Exchange Programs is also willing to comply, though she said she would be willing to contact any student who was under investigation.
International students likely know that their records are open to federal agents, according to Cipollone.
The type of information that would be available includes transcripts, copies of applications, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, students’ enrollment status, visa status, financial aid package and place of birth, according to University officials. However, the University does not keep personal records on international students, such as bank accounts and what activities they were involved in before coming to USM, or what clubs they are currently involved in.
“We don’t know who they were before they came to USM to study,” said Cipollone.
Assistant News Editor Matthew Clifford can be contacted at: [email protected]