Impact of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Policy on International Students

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

This week, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) provided guidance in advance of publication of a final rule that will affect the method of instruction our international students can engage in during the fall 2020 semester. Specifically, the guidance includes the following directives:

• International students will not be permitted to remain in the United States to take a full online course load. Therefore, international students at Syracuse University must register for classes that include in-person instruction.
• International students may remain in the United States and take the “minimum number of online courses required to make normal progress toward their degree,” along with in-person instruction. The minimum number has not yet been clearly defined.

We will provide additional information when it becomes available concerning how many online-only classes our international students can take. Additionally, we will work closely with our students to ensure they are able to register for in-person courses under our hybrid instructional model.

Syracuse University is frustrated and disappointed by ICE’s guidance. We will do everything in our power to support our international students as we navigate this challenge, including ensuring they remain in compliance, particularly as it relates to course load and the method of delivery (in-person, online or hybrid). Our government relations team is in contact with our congressional delegates to advocate for our international students and communicate how this guidance will impact them and our community.

Syracuse University appreciates the vast contributions of our international students to our campus community. Our support for them has not wavered. Those who come to this country to live, learn and study must be supported, respected, valued and protected.

As we learn more about this rule, we will communicate directly with all of you. We encourage our international students to contact the Center for International Services at international@syr.edu or 315.443.2457 to access resources and services and to receive additional support.

Sincerely,

John Liu
Interim Vice Chancellor and Provost

Amanda Nicholson
Interim Deputy Senior Vice President, Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience