July 9
North Shore Community College joins with our fellow colleges and universities in denouncing the recent edict released by U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that requires international students whose colleges are offering courses exclusively online, as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic, to leave this country.
Based on this ruling, international students will not be issued student visas or otherwise be allowed to enter or remain in the United States, and active students currently enrolled in the United States must depart the country or take other measures, such as transferring to a school with in-person instruction to remain in lawful status. If not, they may face immigration consequences including, but not limited to, the initiation of removal proceedings.
In response to this spring semester's unexpected and sudden transition to remote learning, exemptions were justifiably expanded for international students so they could continue learning and remain safe amidst a global pandemic – a crisis that is far from over. The health and safety of all students remains of utmost importance during this time. This mandate will cause hardship, uncertainty, and stress for international students and their institutions.
International exchange of students has long been a hallmark across higher education worldwide and international students enrich the cultural fabric of our colleges, communities and the Commonwealth. We must protect the rights of our international students to pursue higher education, succeed, and establish a life in the U.S. without the shadow of fear & uncertainty. Furthermore, our nation's economic recovery depends on higher education's ability to provide a healthy, employment-ready workforce. To jeopardize our economic recovery through this action seems unwise.
We request reversal of this policy given that in response to the Corona pandemic, many colleges have made decisions to offer mostly remote, online, or hybrid options for the fall. The administration must reconsider this unnecessary mandate and work with educational institutions to support all students, including the important international student market, during these challenging times.
#internationalstudents, #highered, #educators
--Dr. Nate Bryant, Interim President