ICE threatens foreign students

On July 7, 2020, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) declared new regulations on student visas during the health crisis caused by the Coronavirus.

In the official statement, ICE declares that international students who are part of a local university planning to use only virtual classes must leave the US on their own or face a deportation case. It also states that this emergency measure will be in force only during the fall period.

The most viable option for international students residing in the country is to change universities to one that does offer a portion of face-to-face classes, in this way they would not have to leave the country.

Other than that, the statement declares that the Department of State (DOS) will not allow the issuance of student visas if foreigners are applying only to virtual classes. That means that in order to currently apply for a student visa, the institution must offer face-to-face classes as well.

Please click the following link for more details about the new restrictions on student visas.

Renowned universities comment on the new restrictions

This official order has sparked great controversy among the most recognized universities in the US.

The representatives of universities such as New York University (NYU), Columbia, Brown, Harvard, Stanford, among others, have explained to the government that if they decided to implement a virtual pedagogical methodology, it is precisely to protect the health of students, both local as well as foreigners, and avoid a massive outbreak inside educational institutions.

Therefore, these recognized universities do not agree with the measures implemented by the current administration of the US and declare that it is not a good idea to consider returning to merely face-to-face classes, taking into account that the country is one of the epicenters of the pandemic and that the number of people infected with Coronavirus has grown exponentially since the health crisis started.

In fact, Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) filed a lawsuit against the Trump government, arguing that current restrictions on student visas will affect the country’s socio-economic development.

These universities also openly declare that President Trump intends to revive the economy and encourage the most important sectors, such as education, to resume their normal activities. However, the country does not have the pandemic under control yet and this could cause a catastrophe in student institutions.

Do you need help with your student visa?

Immigration policies have been significantly modified by the Donald Trump administration over the past three years. However, with the arrival of the global Coronavirus pandemic in the US, restrictions, limitations and regulations on immigration processes have suddenly and abruptly increased.

That is why we recommend for you to seek reliable help for your student visa. In this way, you can know all your options, resolve your doubts, facilitate the process and essentially find the solution that best suits your needs.

Motion Law Immigration’s team of expert attorneys are ready to help you find the best solution and guide you through every step of the process. In addition to that, our team is always up to date with the most recent changes in the US’ immigration policies, which can give you relief amid these times of crisis.

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.