Dear International Students and Scholars,
On September 25, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a proposed non-immigrant visa rule that, if implemented, would adversely impact international students and scholars on F-1 and J-1 visas, and their dependent family members on F-2 and J-2 visas.
This is a proposed rule, has not yet been finalized, and is not in effect. Your present immigration status is not altered by the proposed rule. There is a 30-day public comment period (open to all) until October 26, 2020, after which DHS is required to review and analyze the comments they have received. DHS may make changes to the proposed rule before the publication and implementation of the final rule. This can be a protracted process, without a deadline for publication of the final rule.
We are very troubled by the relentless pattern of immigration rulings targeting non-immigrant students and scholars. Brown is strongly opposed to this rule, recognizing the challenges and barriers many international students and scholars might face as a direct result of it. Be assured that Brown University is committed to the well-being of our international community and will be advocating vigorously against this proposed rule.
The Office of Global Engagement, OISSS, and Office of Government and Community Relations will continue to analyze this proposed rule. We are working closely with peer schools and higher education associations to better understand all of the possible implications of the proposal for current and incoming F and J students and scholars, and their dependents. We will follow up to provide an update as we learn more.
In the meantime, OISSS is planning a webinar event with an immigration attorney for our international community to discuss the potential implications of this proposed rule; more information will be shared soon. If you would like to learn more about Brown’s legislative advocacy and discuss opportunities to engage in the process, you can email Steve Gerencser (Director of Government Relations) at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Asabe Poloma, Assistant Provost for Global Engagement
on behalf of Global Brown