The University of Colorado Boulder strongly opposes proposed changes to the longstanding 鈥渄uration of status policy鈥� Sept. 25 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
If implemented, the rule would place restrictive new time limits on international students and their dependents on F visas and on 鈥渆xchange visitors鈥� such as postdoctoral scholars, researchers and instructors and their dependents on J visas, hindering their ability to complete their academic and/or research programs.
International students and scholars would be limited to no more than four years to complete their programs, including graduate students who often need more time, and would be required to engage in a costly application process to extend their visas.
CU Boulder believes this proposed change is unnecessary and burdensome to its international community and will submit a statement in opposition during the government鈥檚 30-day comment period.
The Department of Homeland Security already monitors and regulates the immigration status of international students and scholars on F and J visas through the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS). Additional restrictions would create uncertainty, anxiety, additional administrative challenges, and undue emotional and financial hardships for our international students and scholars and their families.
CU Boulder will work in partnership with the Association of American Universities (AAU), other higher education advocacy groups, and Colorado鈥檚 congressional delegation to advocate against these proposed visa restrictions.
International academic and scientific collaboration are hallmarks of the American higher education landscape and serve to strengthen our nation鈥檚 leadership and competitiveness on a global scale. As a result of this proposal, Colorado and the nation stand to lose some of the best and brightest young minds and top international talent.
Our international students and scholars contribute to CU Boulder in innumerable positive ways. The proposed rule would potentially dissuade them from coming to the United States, which would further negatively impact universities and local communities that welcome their collaboration and global perspectives.
