Update: On July 14, 2020, federal immigration officials rescinded the new guidelines for the Student Exchange Visitor Program, reverting back to guidance from March 2020 that allows exceptions to in-person class requirements due to the pandemic.
This letter-writing campaign began as an effort by Mormon Women for Ethical Government. Many of our members, especially those with international family, friends, and students, were very concerned that on July 6, 2020, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced they would modify the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which allows international students to study in the U.S. on F-1 and M-1 visas.
As a result of the changes, students who have these visas would be required to leave the U.S. if their college or university is not offering in-person classes. In-person classwork has always been a requirement for these visas, but in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic the SEVP allowed foreign students to take their spring and summer classes online while staying in the country. ICE’s recent announcement makes it clear that this accommodation will not be available as of the fall 2020 semester, and international students whose schools are not offering in-person classes must transfer to a school that does offer in-person instruction — or “depart the country.”
Per the MWEG Principles of Ethical Government, we are committed to “promoting ethical government for the protection and well-being of our brothers and sisters.” Over one million men and women come to the U.S. each year to advance their education and develop their skills. Their presence blesses and enriches our country both here and abroad. ICE’s new policy is unnecessary, callous, and does not advance any American interests. After our open call for letters, we were impressed with the sincerity and thoughtfulness they embodied.
With the authors’ permission, we’re reprinting them here.
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