On July 6th, ICE announced that all international students with an F-1 or M-1 visa are to be deported, unless their university has classes in person. At Brandeis, many international students who have stayed in the US will be deported, putting their lives and careers in jeopardy. There are a large number of international undergraduate and graduate students who not only take classes, but are integral to our vibrant campus community. The deportation of these students would not only effect them, but the entire Brandeis community. According to ICE, as long as there is some face-to-face classes and "the minimum amount" of coursework is online, these students will be allowed to stay in the US. For this reason, it is essential that Brandeis University keeps this threshold in mind as classes are finalized and, undoubtedly, change over the course of the semester. Brandeis University has a commitment to ALL students - international and US citizens alike - to prioritize education and safety. If these students are deported, they may not have the ability to continue their education, and with a global pandemic still underway, their safety may be put at risk.

With this signature, I urge Brandeis University to come up a specific plan to keep the international students who are still in the US within the US and to ensure all international students can return to campus should they choose. This plan and intention should be at the forefront of any decision-making going forward, as well. Whether it be a select few designated face-to-face class for international students for the entirety of the semester, there must be an explicit way for these students to continue their studies in the US. Brandeis University must currently and proactively address this abhorrent announcement from ICE. Losing our international students would be a great loss to the community.

To read more about ICE's announcement and qualifications to stay in the USA, follow this URL:  https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/sevp-modifies-temporary-exemptions-nonimmigrant-students-taking-online-courses-during