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.