According to NPR, ICE announced on July 6th, 2020 that foreign students attending U.S. colleges operating entirely online for the fall 2020 semester cannot remain in the country. This sudden announcement leaves no room or time for students to transfer to a school that offers in-person classes before the beginning of the semester. 

Among many issues, UConn's Reopening Plan includes little to no information regarding international students. This is just one of the many examples of UConn not protecting their students with this plan. 

While UConn is offering limited in-person and hybrid educational opportunities, international students may not control whether or not they can have in-person or hybrid instruction, as these designations are determined by the Office of the Registrar. International students should not be subjected to depart the United States because of a global pandemic that is out of their control. International students at UConn deserve the same access to education as every other UConn student. UConn granted admission to these students. It is the University's job to protect them. 

UConn is fortunate to have a booming international community. According to the UConn 2020 Fact Sheet, the undergraduate population comprised 9% international students, and the graduate population comprised 25% international students. Over 100 countries were represented in the Fall 2019 international student population. 

Please join me and the UConn Undergraduate Student Government in supporting and protecting our international students.