Dear UCR Community,
As you know, Monday’s sudden announcement from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) prompted immediate action from colleges, universities, and higher education organizations across the country. The University of California system announced plans to file suit against the federal government. Nearly 100 professional organizations have signed a joint letter with the American Council on Education that strongly opposes the changes announced on Monday. Several actions have been taken by congressional leadership as well. California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris have sent a letter to the Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and 99 members of Congress have also signed a joint letter urging ICE to withdraw the new guidance.
We believe that all international students should be able to remain in the United State and elect to take classes remotely during this pandemic.
We encourage you to help with our advocacy efforts. Before July 15, 2020:
Thank you for continuing to advocate for international students and scholars at UCR. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Given the outstanding court cases, we expect to have more detailed information to share next week about the way UCR can move forward for the Fall. Our hope is that our collective voices will be heard, and changes will be made. We will send updates when we know more details, but in the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions.
Our email list is limited, so please share this message with students, faculty and staff in your college or school.
Sincerely,
Marko Princevac, Interim Vice Provost of International Affairs
Michael Schmelzle, Director of International Students and Scholars
Kelly Eldridge Hinosawa, Associate Director of International Students and Scholars