ICE recently made a modification to the conditions of student visas that will make it so that many students enrolled in schools that have gone online for Fall 2020 will not be covered by their student visas any longer. This will force many students to leave the country (https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/sevp-modifies-temporary-exemptions-nonimmigrant-students-taking-online-courses-during). Because Cal Poly Pomona has chosen to stay entirely online for the Fall term, many international CPP students could be forced out of the country. This can all change if only CPP provides hybrid courses rather than only online ones. 

The concern for everyone's safety during the COVID-19 pandemic is entirely valid and should not be overlooked. However, the students who will be displaced due to ICE's recent decision will be subjected to much more danger than they would be from hybrid courses. The CDC recommends avoiding all nonessential international travel, so forcing potentially thousands of students to board international flights will not only be a great risk to them, but to anyone else on the flights.

Furthermore, hybrids are a safer option than fully in-person courses and if CPP can provide even just a minimum of hybrid courses (and keep the others online), it will help keep international students safe.

Please sign this petition and contact the Cal Poly Pomona Provost in order to provide hybrid courses for the Fall 2020 semester and protect our international students.