The following is a statement from AAU President Mary Sue Coleman about the Trump Administration’s decision not to implement a recently-announced United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement policy change that would have required international students to take in-person classes to keep their visa status:
I’m glad that the overwhelming outcry from America’s leading research universities, scientific research organizations, the business community, and others caused the administration to swiftly rescind this deeply misguided policy. Congratulations to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, whose lawsuit against ICE led to the settlement reversing the policy change. I also want to offer thanks to the University of California system, Johns Hopkins University, and other AAU member institutions who also filed suit or spoke out against this cruel and unjustified policy.
We will continue, during this unprecedented time of global pandemic, to be vigilant against efforts by the administration to harm international students or force universities into rushed and unreasonable decisions regarding in-person instruction.
# # # # #
Founded in 1900, the Association of American Universities is composed of America’s leading research universities. AAU’s 65 research universities transform lives through education, research, and innovation.
Our member universities earn the majority of competitively awarded federal funding for research that improves public health, seeks to address national challenges, and contributes significantly to our economic strength, while educating and training tomorrow’s visionary leaders and innovators.
AAU member universities collectively help shape policy for higher education, science, and innovation; promote best practices in undergraduate and graduate education; and strengthen the contributions of leading research universities to American society.