MSU international students are warned not to leave the country
The email raised concerns among members of Michigan State University's international community.
On Thursday afternoon, international students at MSU received an email from the Office for International Students and Scholars, or OISS, 'strongly' recommending them not to leave the United States, among other recommendations.
The email, signed by Krista McCallum, director of OISS, was delivered independently to foreign students, but with the same content: An important update in response to recent federal government actions affecting the international academic community, both those already legally in the country and those still in process to enter.
By the end of May, a cable signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and obtained by The Associated Press stated that the U.S. government decided to halt new student visa interviews for foreign applicants to U.S. colleges, where they plan to use the review of social media activity as a filter to vet foreign applicants.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of State released a press statement in which Rubio specified that 'under President Trump's leadership,' Chinese students' visas will be 'aggressively' revoked, including those 'with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields.'
'Our current understanding is that previously scheduled visa interview appointments will proceed as planned. However, most embassies and consulates have suspended scheduling new appointments,' the message said.
McCallum advised those students who are still in the U.S. not to leave the country.
'For students and scholars inside the U.S.: We strongly advise that you do not travel outside the United States,' McCallum said in the communication.
For those currently outside the country who require a visa to return, McCallum recommended staying in close contact with the U.S. embassy or consulate in their area. Additionally, for those unsure about the validity of their visas, the email included a link where students could check their current visa stamp.
MSU spokesperson Amber McCann reiterated one more time that the international community on campus is essential to the university's academic and professional development, adding that 'The university is closely monitoring recent federal policy changes and updates concerning international students and scholars.'
Chinese college students in Michigan among those nationwide facing direct threats of visa revocation
'We will continue to advocate for policies that enable us to welcome international students and scholars from around the world and promote global engagement,' McCann concluded.'
As it is happening across the country, within MSU's international community, concerns about not returning home over the summer due to the severity of recent policy changes had already become a recurring topic, while those who traveled expressed concerns about their return. Many students had already decided not to travel back to their home countries, fearing potential issues with immigration when attempting to re-enter the U.S.
'It's no longer just about having your paperwork in order; now it feels like crossing the border comes with a real risk of running into trouble,' said Diego Granados, an MSU PhD student in biochemistry who is from Mexico. 'The atmosphere has changed. Every time you see another international student, you ask them if they're traveling this summer, because of the political climate.'
At the end of the email, McCallum expressed her support and concern for the international community and reiterated, as in previous communications stated by MSU, the university's commitment to international students, who have increasingly become targets of federal government policies nationwide.
'I understand that this news and the uncertainty surrounding it may be frustrating. Please know that MSU remains strongly committed to our international Spartan community. We will continue to welcome students and scholars from around the world, and we will advocate for policies that support your presence and success,' the email said.
MSU students had already protested what they considered to be the lack of action by MSU officials regarding the protection of the international community. And after only receiving statements and emails, they considered the university to be taking an insufficient stance.
'I think they just want to play it safe and make sure we don't leave,' said Granados. 'Honestly, it just feels awful. It's like this message is formalizing that feeling we already had, that even if you have legal status and you're pursuing a degree, going back home is now something risky. It might go wrong. You might not be able to come back.'
Luis Torres, an MSU PhD student in Kinesiology who is from Puerto Rico, highlighted the targeting of the immigrant community in general and how it escalated to academic fields.
'The pattern is evident: the criminalization of undocumented immigrants was amplified, university students who protested were stigmatized, and now the focus shifts to the entire international student community,' said Torres.
'A state that restricts access to education under current pretexts can justify future encroachments on fundamental rights, eroding democracy for the benefit of a privileged minority,' he finished.
Additionally, among foreign students, the protection of their identity or hiding their opinions have increasingly become a concern, showing a decline in freedom of speech within the community.
'It makes you feel trapped. Like, I'm here, and I can't cross the border or talk openly about it because they check my phone, don't like something, and I'm not allowed to reenter to finish my studies. That's really how it feels,' finished Granados.
A request for comment was sent via email to Krista McCallum, director of OISS, but has yet to be returned.
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