Editor's Note: As of the afternoon of July 14, 2020 we were informed that the federal government has withdrawn/rescinded the July 6 ICE guidance on a nationwide basis. No enforcement will take place regarding international students and their visas as it regards to online and hybrid education.
Earlier this month, CMU international students learned about surprising new federal guidance adding new and unnecessary restrictions that may impact the visas and disrupt the lives of international students across the United States.
At this time the impact of this guidance on CMU's international students is limited because of CMU’s intent to return to in-person learning. However, if the pandemic requires that CMU re-transition to online learning in the future, the policy would have a disruptive and significant impact on all international students. This impact would require them to depart the country possible in the middle of the semester. This regulation is unreasonable, impractical and seemly serves no purpose.
After reviewing the policy, the vague contours of the restrictions make a coherent response challenging. That notwithstanding, the fundamental practicality of the policy seems to be a bad solution to an unnamed and undefined problem.
CMU and our community have gone to great lengths to welcome international students and our program has grown around 160% percent during the last half decade. The late Max Krey was a major community proponent of our international program as are organizations like the local Rotary Club. The ongoing travel restrictions, Embassy closures and uncertainties around the pandemic have already created tremendous stress for international students. This policy adds another unnecessary layer.
CMU has and will continue to support our international students who bring creativity, vibrancy and fresh ideas to our campus community. We are honored that they chose CMU to pursue their dreams. We will work closely with other Colorado institutions and higher education entities to ensure our students may continue their studies and complete their educational goals.