Presidents’ Alliance Condemns Proposed DHS Rule That Would Limit Ability of International Students to Remain and Study in United States

PRESIDENTS’ ALLIANCE CONDEMNS PROPOSED DHS RULE THAT WOULD LIMIT ABILITY OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS TO REMAIN AND STUDY IN UNITED STATES
New rule would end “duration of status” and lead to reduced enrollments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2020

CONTACT: Jose Magaña-Salgado (jose@presidentsalliance.org)

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a proposed rule that would eliminate admission for duration of status (D/S) for F international students and their dependents and J exchange visitors and their dependents, and I media representatives. Under the proposed rule, these visa holders would have shorter periods of permission to remain in the United States and force them to renew their status more often. The rule would dramatically discourage international students and others from coming to the United States.

Miriam Feldblum, Executive Director for the Presidents’ Alliance, stated: “This proposed rule is misguided and ill-conceived. The rule ignores common sense, disregards the fact that its assumptions are based on flawed data and reasoning, and dismisses the needs of students and institutions. International students and scholars, whose information is entered and monitored in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), are already the most tracked population by DHS’ Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  

“The proposed rule is harmful to international students and visitors, injecting uncertainty and unnecessary hurdles. International students deserve to know that they will be allowed to stay in the United States through their entire academic program. DHS acknowledges that the proposed rule could lead to reduced enrollments of international students, but dismisses the consequences. The proposed rule will undercut the ability of American colleges and universities to recruit international students and scholars from around the world and will further damage the United States’ reputation as the preeminent destination of choice for global talent. 

“International students and scholars contribute intellectually, economically, culturally, and socially to our campuses and communities; they create jobs, spur technological innovation, and advance medical discovery. Now, more than ever, we cannot afford to turn away talent, devalue diversity, and impede innovation.  And, make no mistake, if the proposed rule is enacted, the negative effects on the United States will be long-lasting.”

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The nonpartisan, nonprofit Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration brings together college and university leaders dedicated to increasing public understanding of how immigration policies and practices impact our students, campuses and communities, and supporting policies that create a welcoming environment for undocumented, immigrant, and international students. The Alliance is composed of approximately 500 presidents and chancellors of public and private colleges and universities, representing over five million students in 41 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico.