July 6, 2020: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced changes to temporary exemptions under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regarding foreign students attendance of online classes in fall 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. It also published an FAQ on the changes. 

July 7, 2020: UC President Janet Napolitano published the statement below:

“The University of California recognizes that our country benefits when the world’s brightest students and academics learn, teach and research on our shores. International students provide unique contributions that enrich our campuses and their perspectives ensure that we continue to be a leading academic force around the world. Making it more difficult for international students to study here undermines decades of collaboration between the United States and our international partners, particularly in fields that contribute to America’s economic vitality.

“ICE’s announcement is perplexing, given that some degree of remote instruction is necessary for colleges and universities to protect the safety and well-being of their communities and the public at large, while still allowing students to continue their studies. Challenges and uncertainty related to COVID-19 are already weighing heavily on students; now is the worst time to burden them further with anxiety.

“UC will assess fully how these changes will affect our campuses and our international students. However, this much is abundantly clear: The Trump administration’s latest actions impacting international students jeopardize our nation’s future as a worldwide leader in research and innovation.”

Download the Frequently Asked Questions document prepared by ICE below:

Download file: ICE_SVEP_Fall2020_FAQ-wz-u3m.pdf

Published: Tuesday, July 7, 2020