Presidents’ Alliance Applauds Government Decision to Yield and Rescind July 6th ICE Guidance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 14, 2020

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

Washington, D.C.—The Presidents’ Alliance is gratified by the government’s decision to yield and rescind its July 6^th directive that international students who are enrolled in online-only courses would have to transfer to a higher education institution that offered hybrid or in-person courses or else would be subject to deportation. We are cautiously optimistic, and simultaneously committed, to holding DHS and ICE accountable in its promise to rescind this guidance and to not reissue this international student ban, in whole or in part, in subsequent policies. That said, we are deeply indebted to the quick action and leadership of the one hundred and eighty institutions that joined the Presidents’ Alliance amicus brief in support of Harvard’s and MIT’s swift legal challenge to the July 6^th guidance, and the dozens more colleges and universities that were eager to join our next briefs.

Miriam Feldblum, Executive Director, Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, stated: “This is an extremely significant outcome for international students and colleges. And, we are grateful to ICE and DHS for listening. But, make no mistake, this result is about the transformational power of our collective action and the swift, visible outrage of many—including presidents and chancellors of colleges and universities from across the country. The fight is not yet over. The threats to immigrants and international students are still looming. We need to continue this fight for international students, their ability to come to the U.S. to learn, study and have the opportunity to work, innovate and contribute to our nation.”