I was going to spend my afternoon working on a paper but then this 👇BS regulatory plan for int'l visas was announced yesterday. So here I am again, talking about #ImmigrantRights and #InternationalStudents. Trust me, I'm tired of talking about this too..... 1/n https://twitter.com/doug_rand/status/1309121774823632902
(1) Right now, int'l students visas are good for "duration of stay". Meaning, even if your visa expires, if you're already in the country and are complying with all the rules, you can stay as long as you remain a student. You'd need to renew your visa to reenter the country.. 2/n
The proposed change is to limit that duration of stay to 2 (+ on that in a sec) or 4 years. This is SHORTER than most PhD programs & that my own BS degree! If the proposed rule passes, many #InternationalStudents would have to reapply for an extension of stay #ImmigrantRights 3/n
(2) DHS is also narrowing down the reasons you can use to request an extension. Fail a couple of classes? Nope, sorry, can't stay... It's unclear how PhD progress would be evaluated under these rules. #ImmigrantRights #InternationalStudents 4/n https://twitter.com/doug_rand/status/1309123184575344647?s=20
Let's examine my case... I took 5 years to finish my BS in BME @UTBiomedical. Why? BME degrees are notoriously hard to finish in 5 years w/o AP credit bc of the many credits involved and summer school is EXPENSIVE. Would they have approved my extension w/ these rules? IDK! 5/n
PhD - same story... & actually my visa for my PhD was for 5 years! Not 4! I took 5.5 years (on average for @UWMadison_BME) and very easily renewed my visa. It took me longer than 4 bc that's just how science works and how most PhDs go! #ImmigrantRights #InternationalStudents 6/n
This duration of stay issue would affect ALL #InternationalStudents regardless of country of origin. #STEM profs, yes, the students in YOUR lab too! It is an unbelievably unfair additional burden to carry on top of everything I've mentioned before 7/n https://twitter.com/AnaMaPorras/status/1281332545301479427
(3) Back to the rules, the 2 year limit would apply to citizens OR people BORN(!!) in these countries:
- Natives or citizens of countries on the State Sponsor of Terrorism List (Iran, Syria, Sudan, PRK)
- Citizens of countries with >10% overstay rate #ImmigrantRights 8/n
Let's explore that >10% overstay rule.... If you look at the map below, you'll notice a pattern. It essentially bans most of Africa from acquiring 4 year student visas. This is #racism at work, it's not about overstays. #ImmigrantRights 9/n https://twitter.com/doug_rand/status/1309125937066315782?s=20
Why is to so bad to have such short visas? It is expensive, exhausting, and VERY burdensome to have to renew your visa ALL the time. Ask your Chinese students/colleagues that have 1-yr limits already on their visas. Even worse if now they have to apply for extensions to STAY 11/n
My heart is racing just putting myself back in time. What would I have done had these rules been in effect. Would I have come to the U.S? Would I have stayed for graduate school? Did I choose correctly in deciding to obtain a faculty position here? #InternationalStudents 12/n
. #InternationalStudents bring a LOT of value to #STEM, #academia, #HigherEd and society in general. Not just because we bring in money but because we are PEOPLE, people with diverse experiences who are trying to fulfill their dreams and pursue their passions. 13/n
This summer universities went to bat for us when tuition $$ and public safety were at risk, will you all defend us now when the threat is more subtle but far more damaging to #InternationalStudents as people? We need you to advocate for us NOW 14/n
The past 4 years have been devastating for #InternationalStudent communities, who have been living in constant fear and anxiety. We do not feel welcome and we are absolutely exhausted. #ImmigrantRights 15/n
At the last election, MANY US citizens told me not to worry bc this government would never come for my "kind of immigrant". I knew that was not true. I am no better or worse than other immigrants and this gov't is trying to target ALL OF US #ImmigrantRights 16/n
US citizens, and in particular, people in #STEM - faculty, Chairs, Deans, what are you going to do for us now? We've been helping you keep your schools afloat with our $$ and your labs productive with our labor. We need you! #InternationalStudents 17/n
Lastly, I urge everyone who CAN #vote to think long & hard about what is at stake in this election. For many of us, it IS about life & death, it IS about our rights. It CAN get worse & it WILL get worse if @JoeBiden loses. Vote with us, your #InternationalStudents in mind. 18/18
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