Recently, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) released a decision that would require all international students who are taking a fully online course-load in the fall semester to leave the U.S. or be subjected to arrest and deportation. In response to this, we ask Loyola University New Orleans and President Tania Tetlow to guarantee a one-credit-no-credit in-person or hi-flex class without a mandatory attendance policy in the event that the university chooses to go fully online at any point this summer or next semester. This would guarantee all international students protection from deportation. 

This decision by the SEVP and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a direct, inhumane, and serious threat to our international students. ICE's appalling treatment of detainees is well-documented and horrific. On top of this, detention centers are hotbeds for COVID-19. Additionally, travel restrictions from the U.S. to other countries may make it nearly impossible for international students to return home. Because of this, it is imperative that Loyola protect its international community from this kind of cruelty.

As a Jesuit institution, Loyola has an even greater duty to guarantee the safety of its international students. The Jesuit value of adopting an international and global perspective calls us to care for every student on campus equally, whether they are from Metairie or Hong Kong. We are also called to serve, and it is vital that we serve our community now. We are urging Loyola administration and President Tetlow to protect our international students without fear of arrest and deportation. In increasingly uncertain times, let us guarantee that Loyola is a safe haven for international students. 

**content above is inspired and modified from Alexander Tsai's UW Petition