The battle of international students

Recently, the US education sector was embroiled in controversy as the Trump government, through the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, announced that international students had to attend at least a portion of face-to-face classes during the fall or they could be deported.

Most universities and schools around the country had decided to offer virtual classes for the rest of the year in order to mitigate the impact of the pandemic, prevent a massive outbreak of Coronavirus within their facilities, and protect the health of both teachers and students.

Therefore, the official order of ICE generated a gigantic controversy and dozens of universities filed lawsuits against this request.

When the first hearing took place in a local court, representatives of the Trump government reversed this order and the universities won the battle, allowing international students to receive only virtual classes during the health crisis.

This news was very encouraging for foreign students who came to the US in hopes of building a promising future and possibly obtaining permanent residence.

Motion Law keeps you up to date with the latest immigration news.

International students still fear deportation

Foreign students nearing graduation have the alternative of applying to a program called Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to obtain a temporary work related to their areas of study.

This legal work permit is valid for up to 12 months with the possibility of extension for certain specific areas, such as science, engineering or technology.

When international students qualify for the OPT, they could receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

If they obtain this legal work permit, they have 90 days to get a job in the US, otherwise they will have to leave the country or face a deportation process.

What is the current fear of international students?

It is well known that the US is still the main epicenter of the global Coronavirus pandemic and is the country most affected by this virus.

The current unemployment rate even exceeds the Great Recession (2007-2009), which has been the worst in the country’s recent history.

In addition to that, the Trump administration has implemented multiple restrictions on work visas, arguing that it is essential to protect the work of legal citizens before qualified foreigners.

In fact, on Monday, August 6, 2020, President Trump signed an executive order, stating that federal agencies must only hire American personnel during the current juncture.

Therefore, international students who are close to completing their studies fear deportation if they cannot find a legal job in the coming months. That is the case for dozens of students currently residing in Buffalo.

One of the alternatives they have is an adjustment of status that allows them to continue residing legally in the US.

Do you need to request an Adjustment of Status? Remember that immigration processes have recently changed, so it is best that you seek specialized advice. Motion Law Immigration is here to help you.

Get your legal documentation as soon as possible

We understand that these are uncertain times for humanity and that multiple immigration policies have changed due to the health crisis and the pressure exerted by the current administration of the US.

However, there are still a wide variety of immigration processes available to you and if you follow the advice of experts, you will surely be able to choose the process that suits your current needs.

It is essential for you to make the most of your time and start preparing your immigration application as soon as possible.

If you have any questions about an immigration issue or relating to a case you may have currently in progress, then please don’t hesitate to contact us for a FREE Phone Consultation with one of our expert immigration attorneys.

Simply call Motion Law today at: (202) 918-1799.