MA Higher Education Leaders Letter to DHE and ICE
The Honorable Chad F. Wolf
Acting Secretary
Washington, D.C. 20528
The Honorable Matthew T. Albence
Deputy Director and Senior Official Performing the Department of Homeland Security Duties of the Director
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Washington D.C. 20536
Dear Acting Secretary Wolf and Deputy Director Albence:
As higher education leaders in Massachusetts, we were stunned by the recent July 6, 2020 guidance by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regarding nonimmigrant F-1 and M-1 students. This rule change is cruel, irresponsible, and delivers more anxiety and confusion for international students in Massachusetts.
In March, due to the unexpected, unprecedented, and sudden transition to remote and online learning, many federal and state agencies provided regulatory and administrative flexibility to students and postsecondary institutions. In fact, SEVP rightfully provided an exemption for international students so they could continue learning and remain safe amidst a global pandemic – a crisis that is far from over.
We deeply value our international students, who are incredibly important to the cultural fabric of our institutions and the Commonwealth. The students also serve as major economic drivers in Massachusetts. During the previous 2018-2019 academic year, international students contributed $3.2 billion and supported more than 38,000 jobs in the Commonwealth’s economy (NAFSA: Association of International Educators). In Massachusetts, it’s clear that the thousands of international students are critical to the success of the higher education sector.
The decision by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to modify these exemptions threatens the futures of many international students amidst quite grim public health prospects over the next several months. We denounce these changes and urge the SEVP and ICE to reinstate the previous exemption for our students.
Sincerely,
| Ellen L. Kennedy, President Berkshire Community College |
James C. Mabry, President Middlesex Community College |
| Laura L. Douglas, President Bristol Community College |
James Vander Hooven, President Mount Wachusett Community College |
| Pam Eddinger, President Bunker Hill Community College |
Nate Bryant, Interim President North Shore Community College |
| John L. Cox, President Cape Cod Community College |
Lane A. Glenn, President Northern Essex Community College |
| Yves Salomon-Fernandez, President Greenfield Community College |
Luis Pedraja, President Quinsigamond Community College |
| Christina Royal, President Holyoke Community College |
Valerie R. Roberson, President Roxbury Community College |
| Gena Glickman, President Massasoit Community College |
John B. Cook, President Springfield Technical Community College |
| David Podell, President MassBay Community College |
Javier Cevallos, President Framingham State University |
| Richard S. Lapidus, President Fitchburg State University |
Kymberly Pinder, Acting President Massachusetts College of Art and Design |
| James F. Birge, President Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts |
Martin T. Meehan, President University of Massachusetts |
| Kumble R. Subbaswamy, Chancellor UMass Amherst |
Katherine S. Newman, Interim Chancellor UMass Boston |
| Carlos E. Santiago, Commissioner Massachusetts Department of Higher Education |
Frederick W. Clark Jr., President Bridgewater State University |
| Francis X. McDonald, President Massachusetts Maritime Academy |
John Keenan, President Salem State University |
| Ramon S. Torrecilha, President Westfield State University |
Barry Maloney, President Worcester State University |
| Robert E. Johnson, Chancellor UMass Dartmouth |
Jacqueline F. Moloney, Chancellor UMass Lowell |
| Michael F. Collins, Chancellor UMass Medical School |
C: Members of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges (MACC) Massachusetts State Universities Council of Presidents University of Massachusetts President’s Office Massachusetts Department of Higher Education