Fall 2020 International Student Statement

ACPA-College Student Educators International expresses our complete and strongest opposition to the recent statement of intent by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that international students pursuing degrees in the United States on F-1 or M-1 visas must leave the country if their college or university offers online-only classes in the next academic term. International students would essentially be left with two options: attending in-person classes or making the almost impossible international trip home during the pandemic. It is not fair to leave International students with only two options that would both expose them to huge health risks during this global pandemic. 

This xenophobic position taken by the current federal administration is the latest in a lengthy series of discriminatory acts over the last three years. This week, ACPA joined the American Council on Education (ACE) and dozens of other higher education associations in writing a letter of advocacy against these policies to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

ACPA advocates for the promotion of equitable and safe opportunities in higher education for people from around the world. With concern for the future of international students in the US, we encourage robust efforts from higher education professionals and lawmakers alike to combat the discrimination and xenophobia that international students may face on college campuses.

The Trump administration’s actions will not deter ACPA’s efforts to support and protect international students. ACPA represents members from college student education backgrounds, student affairs professionals, and the students they serve. We will continue to mobilize compassion and voice our belief in the value of diversity and inclusion in higher education. 

For additional comments on ACPA’s position on international students, we invite you to visit our ACPA Speaks Up! website.