The recent ICE rule requiring international students to attend in-person classes has been revoked! This means our international students on F1 visas can remain in the United States while taking classes remotely.
This huge victory is thanks to the advocacy efforts of City College in partnership with educational institutions across the country, whose swift collective action overturned this unjust and inhumane ruling. The Office of International Student Programs is available to answer any questions you may have – and we are truly grateful for all of our international students.
A Message from the OIP
As you might have heard, today the Trump administration rescinded a policy that would have stripped visas from international students whose courses moved exclusively online amid the Coronavirus pandemic. The move comes after the policy announcement last week sparked a flurry of litigation, beginning with a suit brought by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), followed by California's public colleges and later a coalition of 17 states, among other challenges.
Judge Allison Burroughs, a federal district judge in Boston who was expected to preside over oral arguments in the Harvard-MIT case, made the surprise announcement at the beginning of the court proceedings Tuesday. “I have been informed by the parties that they have come to a resolution,” Burroughs said, adding, “They will return to the status quo.” This will be in effect nationwide.
During the fall 2020 semester, you will be allowed to continue to complete your studies remotely (online) while living in the United States. You won’t be required to take any hybrid/in-person classes. However, please be advised that you will be required to maintain enrollment in 12 units, unless you have been formally approved for a Reduced Course Load (RCL) from one of our DSOs. In addition, please keep up with your studies per the requirements of the syllabus. We won’t be able to support reinstatements of your I-20 at the end of the semester if you were dropped from class (under 12 units) for failure to participate in class activities, assignments and examinations. Please contact the OIP immediately if you anticipate any challenges or problems for Fall 2020.
We look forward to serving you as CCSF students. Please contact the OIP if you have additional questions.
Thank you,
Vinicio J. Lopez, Ed.D.
Dean of International Education/PDSO