ICE Rescind Policy on International Students Taking Online Courses

[CC_Sorin]

Following news that [Harvard and MIT have joined forces to sue ICE](Harvard and MIT Sue ICE Over Threat to Remove International Students - Applying to College - College Confidential Forums) over [threat to remove international students](Major Changes for International Students if Schools Transition to Online Classes - International Students - College Confidential Forums), the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have agreed to rescind the policy.

As quoted by [The Harvard Crimson](DHS and ICE Rescind Policy Barring International Students Taking Online Courses | News | The Harvard Crimson), University President Lawrence S. Bacow wrote that he was “delighted” by the withdrawal of the policy.

This is a significant victory. The directive had disrupted all of American higher education,” Bacow wrote. “I have heard from countless international students who said that the July 6 directive had put them at serious risk. These students – our students — can now rest easier and focus on their education, which is all they ever wanted to do.

Is this a step in the right direction? Let us know your thoughts!

[CU123]

They certainly saved there budget, I guess I’m a bit cynical when it comes to how magnanimous these institutions really are.

[gratefulmama]

I think it’s great! However, I’m not clear how incoming internationals get through the travel bans. Will they get their visas but be forced to delay entry?

[vpa2019]

I think it should have been a compromise: those students that are already in the US can stay but those who are abroad can stay home and take classes from their home country. Especially since the online schools are limiting on campus residency.

[ucbalumnus]

@vpa2019

I think it should have been a compromise: those students that are already in the US can stay but those who are abroad can stay home and take classes from their home country. Especially since the online schools are limiting on campus residency.

As a practical matter, it is rather likely that many international students not already here will have too much difficulty traveling anyway, so what you are suggesting may end up being the actual result for most.