I have been striving to follow the proposals about DHS’ Plan to End Duration of Status for international students and scholars, which just reached the final rule status today.
This has severe implications for international students and scholars who hope to transition to work pathways in the U.S.— such as more rigid academic rules and timelines; visa delays and disruptions; travel bans; the threat of ending postgraduate OPT; more restrictions on freedom of speech and greater risks of being targeted; new H-1B visa rules and fees, and so much more – overall, more uncertainty, fear and anxiety… And of course, recognizing the intersectionality, we can hardly imagine the vulnerabilities of the international students who seek asylum and navigate immigration uncertainty in the current, highly threatening political climate.
You can find the detailed information and implications here.
You can further explore the proposed regulations and their implications, as well as ways to take advocacy action, under these organizations:
- President’s Alliance
- The NAFSA Don’t End DS page, also helps you send a letter to your congressional representatives in 2 minutes! I encourage you to share your story and insight/experiences about the contributions of international students and scholars.
I hope you will consider sharing this information with your institutions/organizations, professional networks, and other social circles, and invite them to advocate by publishing statements with specific calls to action such as contacting the congressional members and other representatives from your region and state. I hope you will also consider contacting and checking whether our professional organization leaders and university/college leaders are making efforts to reach Congress.
If you have very limited time, you can consider increasing visibility on LinkedIn – NAFSA makes great content for you to-share and add thoughts.
Or other social media such as NAFSA on Instagram
or follow and share with #DontEndDS – you can share insight and experiences about the contributions of international students and scholars.
Finally, please consider attending or sharing information about this upcoming conference by the NCDA International Student Services Committee on Friday, August 7 (virtual; free for the NCDA members) – “Building Together: Centering Advocacy, Community, and Adaptability”- a very timely, critical theme!