Reports by CNN stated, International students who are pursuing degrees in the United States will have to leave the country or risk deportation if their universities switch to online-only courses.
This was announced by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) earlier today.
The move may affect thousands of foreign students who come to the United States to attend universities or participate in training programs, as well as non-academic or vocational studies.
Universities nationwide are beginning to make the decision to transition to online courses as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
At many universities, for example, all course instruction will be delivered online, including for students living on campus. For international students, that opens the door to them having to leave the US.
In a news release Monday, ICE said that students who fall under certain visas “may not take a full online course load and remain in the United States,” adding, “The U.S. Department of State will not issue visas to students enrolled in schools and/or programs that are fully online for the fall semester nor will U.S. Customs and Border Protection permit these students to enter the United States.”
ICE suggested that students currently enrolled in the US consider other measures, like transferring to schools with in-person instruction. There’s an exception for universities using a hybrid model, such as a mix of online and in-person classes.
Visa requirements for students have always been strict and coming to the US to take online-only courses has been prohibited.
The Trump administration has made a litany of changes to the US immigration system, citing the coronavirus pandemic, that have resulted in barring immigrants from coming to the country.
This announcement, like the changes that preceded it, could similarly result in many foreign students who often pay high tuition to have to return to their home country.
While students might have the option to transfer to a college or university offering in-person courses, it might be difficult to come by amid continued concerns over coronavirus.
Some schools have announced plans to bring students back but shorten semesters, as well as cancel nearly all in-person classes through the semester.