ISI Santa Cruz REPORT July 14, 2020
Proposed federal policy changes rescinded for International Students Visa Status:
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Whew! in a head-spinning turn of events, just an hour ago, the Federal government has now rescinded its change of policy from last week.
The change would have affected more than a million international students now enrolled in the USA, requiring them to exit the country if enrolled in all-online courses.
This policy change prompted many lawsuits this week,
starting with Harvard Univ. & MIT,
joined by 180 other universities,
including the University of California,
Calif State, Univ. & Community Colleges,
and the State of California plus 17 other states!!!
(see articles below)
ISI Official Statement on ICE Decision/News
sent this morning before the rescinding
"ISI is closely monitoring the recent news from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that may affect international students in the US. We exist to serve every international student with love and compassion. We are working with university partners to provide opportunities for students directly affected by these developments.
Additionally, we continue to provide access to resources for students in need. ISI encourages its team members to seek God in prayer for His perfect wisdom and guidance during these uncertain times."
NOTE: ISI is not a politically affiliated and cannot endorse any political policy or party.
Indeed, many fellow ISI staff nationwide have diverse political opinions, and have been heavily discussing the implications of this.
But we do agree, as guided by ISI President Dr. Seng Tang, that our first response is to PRAY over the situation.All of us in ISI do care deeply about the welfare of our international student/scholar friends.
This sudden change in policy would have created great difficulty for many of the more than 1 million international students enrolled in the USA colleges, including the 3,000 at UCSC.
Here are links to recent news articles about
this issue, and to a couple of online petitions for your consideration.
First, here is the July 6 US Government's change of policy:
SEVP modifies temporary exemptions for nonimmigrant students taking online courses during fall 2020 semester
NAFSA (National Assoc.of Foreign Student Advisors) posts advisory for international students: "Covid19 Guidance for Fall 2020"
US News & World Report magazine explains the impact, advice & resources for international students
The New York Times reports that Harvard University & MIT filed a lawsuit vs. US government
which now 180 universities support:
As Universities Seek to Block Visa Rules, Trump Threatens Tax Status
The University of California, California State Univ and California Community College systems are suing
California is the first state to file a lawsuit
Now 17 states are also suing the Federal government
NYT report on responses of some international students:
‘Maybe I Shouldn’t Have Come’: U.S. Visa Changes Leave Students in Limbo
Even seven Int'l grad students themselves have filed suit vs. the federal government, reports the Los Angeles Times:
International students in California file suit over new visa guidelinesSo plenty is already happening with legal action!
One of the friends of an ISI student at San Jose State Univ. has started an online petition of protest against the policy change
Click HERE "Allow F-1 students to stay"
with now 277,000 signers already
Another similar petition HERE
started one week ago has 402,960 signers already
(note, you do NOT need to donate any money for signing, so ignore those requests)
Signing a petition is a small act to show support for our very important international students scholars,
who are serving important roles here and benefiting our universities, and the entire world, in many ways.
We will be continuing to discuss this issue about this in our online ISI Talk Times 6pm Saturdays.
Please join us when you can.
Thank you for your PRAYERS for our ISI ministry and how we can best continue to support the important work ofinternational students and scholars who are growing our world to be a better place for all.
Stay safe and healthy!
Peggy, ISI Staff for UC Santa Cruz