In a massive setback to Indian and International students in the US under F-1 and M-1 visa, US Govt has ordered them to leave US, if their colleges and Universities are conducting 100% online courses.
This will create chaos, and more disturbance, especially during the pandemic crisis.
There is absolutely no logic in this decision.
US Govt To Indian Students: Please Leave America!
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement or USICE has issued a notification for all international students in the US, who are studying there under F-1 and M-1 visas.
This notification has been devised by The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), a Govt department that oversees all international students studying in the US.
The notification clearly states: “The U.S. Department of State will not issue visas to students enrolled in schools and/or programs that are fully online for the fall semester nor will U.S. Customs and Border Protection permit these students to enter the United States.”
What Does This Mean?
This means that for the fall season, (autumn season), the international students who are in the US should leave the country, in case their colleges and Universities have arranged 100% online courses for them.
Hence, if they dont need to go to college/University, then they must leave US.
The notification states, “Active students currently in the United States enrolled in such programs must depart the country or take other measures, such as transferring to a school with in-person instruction to remain in lawful status. If not, they may face immigration consequences including, but not limited to, the initiation of removal proceedings.”
Chaos, Crisis For Students
For the International students, who have paid hefty tuition fees, and accommodation charges to be in the US, this is chaos and an unprecedented crisis.
As per the US Govt notification, they will need to go back to their native countries, for the fall season (September to December), and then again come back to US if their college reopens.
Ex-students and US immigration observers have slammed this move.
This is bad. ICE just told students here on student visas that if their school is going online-only this fall, the students must depart the United States and cannot remain through the fall semester. https://t.co/8DteVzexLB pic.twitter.com/OfkWRKFZZE
— Aaron Reichlin-Melnick (@ReichlinMelnick) July 6, 2020
Something that would have personally affected me heavily a year back. Cannot imagine the completely helpless students who have paid thousands of dollars, and will have to pay their lease, while loans are accruing interest & future is completely uncertain. https://t.co/klgWOC6RBS
— Mithilesh Gawali (@mithileshgawali) July 6, 2020
As per some rumors, this has been done by President Trump to force colleges to reopen, because if they open, then the students won’t be required to go back.
Again, this move to force colleges to reopen can risk infections from coronavirus.
This is a developing story, and we will keep you posted, as more details come in.
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