As you are aware, Harvard University and MIT recently filed a lawsuit in federal court against the ICE directives announced on Monday, July 6, 2020. As of now, several institutions have jointly filed amicus briefs, including, but not limited to, Cornell University, Georgetown University, Northeastern University, Purdue University, and USC. Emory has set an example for Georgia institutions by announcing its plans to jointly file an amicus brief. Suing the Trump administration for their misguided policies is imperative to protect the globally acclaimed higher-level education system America prides itself upon. Moreover, filing an amicus brief will provide the opportunity for institutions like ours to advocate for its students in an instrumental manner. We urge you to realize that while other institutions are taking action, they cannot compensate for your silence. We need you to protect the diversity at our institutions, to support the future of immigrant students, and to prevent international students from being denied their fundamental rights as members of this community.

With the unpredictable nature of COVID-19, it is not enough to keep in-person classes. We ask that you consider the implications of another coming wave that may force schools to operate remotely once again, which will inevitably displace international students as they will have a mere 10 days to leave the country. Put plans in place to protect these students before the inevitable happens.

The impact of the new ICE directive on campus:
  -  Limits international students' ability to attain an education safely by restricting online education, an exemption previously exercised in light of the growing Pandemic.
  -  Unduly demands a highly contributive minority cohort to make abrupt life-changing decisions about education, employment, and economic goals based on discriminatory policy-making.
  -  Discounts the enhanced struggle immunocompromised students would have to face with in-person classes in the midst of a public health crisis.
  -  Overlooks conditions involving a dearth of resources such as stable internet, electricity, and space that students might be forced to face if they return to their home countries. These factors hinder both academic progress and stable mental health.

The adaptive measures being provided to international students to continue to be part of the institution are appreciated, but, we need you to do more. ICE’s announcement is the ultimate restriction for all international students around the United States. We need you to take a united, system-wide approach.

It is imperative that the University System of Georgia takes the necessary steps to stand against this injustice and join the legal battle against the Department of Homeland Security.