Advocacy Efforts

Emory is proud of its international community members and is looking forward to welcoming our students, scholars, researchers and faculty from around the world back to campus next month. In the meantime, Emory’s Office of Government and Community Affairs and International Student and Scholar Services have been working together to advocate for our international colleagues.

Specifically, Emory has been working with our partner associations and peer institutions, as well as our congressional delegation, to urge the U.S. Department of State to allow an international student/scholar to apply for a visa without an in-person interview, encouraging the use of Zoom and other virtual tools. In addition, we are asking the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide greater flexibility for continuing F-1 students who must enroll from abroad because they cannot return to the U.S. this fall due to the pandemic. 

Finally, Emory has signed onto an amicus brief in support of F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the ongoing WashTech litigation. The higher education community weighed in on OPT due to its critical role in experiential learning, including the ability for international students to practice and implement the very educational skills developed on campuses. For more information on the litigation, here is a full list of signatories, the press release, and the litigation page.

Our team in International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) was deeply troubled by the news of the tragic events in Atlanta on March 16, 2021. Since the pandemic began, there have been more reports of anti-Asian prejudice and violence in the news, and these horrific incidents amplify the anxiety, fear, and sadness in the Emory community – particularly among Asian and Asian American students, scholars, and staff.

“As we grieve alongside our students, colleagues, and friends, we are also actively committed to advocacy and support of shared concerns. We will continue to work with offices and programs across the institution to enhance our efforts,” says Shinn Ko, Assistant Vice Provost of International Student and Scholar Services.

We stand in solidarity with the Emory community – both in Atlanta and around the world – in our commitment to being a diverse, welcoming, and supportive place for scholarship and research. Emory does not tolerate bigotry or prejudice, and hate has no place in our Atlanta community nor in our global community.

“Emory University’s resolve to be a welcoming and diverse community is only strengthened in the face of yesterday’s tragedy in our own city,” says Philip Wainwright, Vice Provost for Global Strategy and Initiatives. “Our sympathy and our support are with the Asian and Asian American members of our community.”

The ISSS Team is here to support you. Please reach out to us if we can support you in any way or connect you with Emory resources.

Support: Resources and Programs

Resources:

• Emory University Statement from President Fenves
• Support for Students
• Support for Scholars
• Emory Police Department (EPD) Safety Resources
• Emory Anti-Asian Violence Resource Guide

Events:

Finding and Creating Social Connection during the Next Phase of the Pandemic: A Support Session for International Scholars, Residents, Faculty, and Staff (FSAP & ISSS)
Wednesday, May 26, 4:00 pm ET
Join us on Zoom!

Addressing Anti-Asian Violence in Context and Community
Thursday, March 18, 2021, 6:00 - 7:00 pm

A Support Session for Faculty and Staff of Asian Descent in Light of Anti-Asian Violence
Monday, March 22, 2021, 4:00 - 5:00 pm

ISSS and CAPS Support Session for International Students
March 26, 2021, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Zoom Link
Zoom ID: 938 3224 8044

History, Current Trends and Impacts of Anti-Asian Violence: An Exchange Session for Scholars, Faculty and Staff of Asian Descent (by FSAP and ISSS) 
April 1, 2021, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Zoom link

ISSS and EPD Support Session for International Students and Scholars
April 9, 2021, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Zoom link
Zoom ID: 975 5323 5411

Navigating Social Isolation and Homesickness: A Workshop and Support Session for International Scholars, Residents, Faculty and Staff (by FSAP and ISSS) 
April 21, 2021, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Zoom link

ISSS offers a variety of intercultural workshops and programs.
View our calendar for details about events for students, faculty, and staff.

Emory University Joins Amicus Brief in Support of International Students

Regarding DHS preliminary guidance issued on 7/6/20 that would negatively impact F-1 international students

Read the statement

Statement by President Sterk and President-Elect Fenves

Regarding DHS preliminary guidance issued on 7/6/20 that would negatively impact F-1 international students

Read the statement

Op-ed: Losing Our Competitive Edge is Not Just About International Students — It's About Us, Too

By: Deborah Bruner, senior vice president for research, and Philip Wainwright, vice provost of global strategy and initiatives

"You probably know the potential plight of international students by now — how the pandemic, and politics, puts student visas at risk. And even if they get a visa, can they gain entrance to the United States?   

Yes, it would be a loss for these students not to study here. Through matriculation at universities such as Emory, Harvard, Duke, MIT and UCLA, they gain a worldview and build vitae that will serve them well. Graduate students and postdocs get the opportunity to work in well-equipped university labs seeking solutions to the world’s thorniest problems.

But we aren’t going to plead the case of international students. We’re going to plead ours."

Read the full op-ed article in The Hill

Rep. John Lewis Submits Letter in Support of International Students

regarding DHS preliminary guidance issued on 7/6/20 that would negatively impact F-1 international students.  Note: This page previously linked to Rep. Lewis' letter which was posted on johnlewis.house.gov. This is no longer an active page.

The ISSS Team's Advocacy Efforts

ISSS has been collaborating with Emory's Office of Government Affairs for outreach to elected officials for favorable immigration policies for international students and scholars.

On an individual level, ISSS advisors are part of the world's largest international education association, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, and the Assistant Vice Provost of ISSS is on the NAFSA Board of Directors, allowing direct and unique input for NAFSA's advocacy for policies affecting international students and scholars. NAFSA has already begun its communications with DHS urging them to reconsider their 7/6/2020 policy guidance. Watch NAFSA Executive Director and CEO's 7/13/2020 interview on CNN.

Additionally, as part of the personal advocacy and passion of our staff, many have individually reached out to their senators and house of representatives advocating for our international students and scholars, and we encourage others in the Emory community to join in the effort to influence political leaders.

Scholarships for 2020 NAFSA Advocacy Day

Have you wondered how you can be a voice for international students at Emory and in the US? Do you know how to advocate for immigration policies that affect your life as an international student?

Here is your opportunity! ISSS will award scholarships to three international students to participate in the NAFSA Advocacy Day in Washington D.C. from March 16-17, 2020. NAFSA is the leading US non-profit organization committed to international education.

After a day of training, participants will head to Capitol Hill with an Emory ISSS Advisor to meet with elected officials and educate Congress on short-term and long-term benefits of international education, as well as to advocate for favorable immigration policies. Scholarship recipients will be able to provide a first-hand perspective on the impact of policies that affect international students in the US.

If you are interested in applying for the ISSS Advocacy Day Scholarship, please apply using the link below. A selective interview process will take place the first and second week of December. The scholarship will cover the following costs: NAFSA Advocacy Day registration, transportation, food, and lodging. Application deadline: Sunday, November 24, 2019.

Link to Application

If you have any questions, please contact Tyler Askew.