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US resumes student visas but orders enhanced social media vetting

The article titled "US Resumes Student Visas, Orders Departure of Some Foreign Students" published on Yahoo News discusses significant changes in U.S. immigration policy concerning international students. The article, dated July 6, 2020, provides an in-depth look at the U.S. government's decision to resume issuing student visas while simultaneously ordering the departure of certain foreign students, reflecting the complex and often contradictory nature of immigration policies during the global health crisis.

The article begins by highlighting the U.S. Department of State's announcement that it would resume issuing student visas, a move that had been halted due to the global spread of the COVID-19 virus. This decision was seen as a relief for many international students who had been left in limbo, unable to enter the United States to pursue their education. The resumption of student visa issuance was framed as a necessary step to support the U.S. economy, which relies heavily on the contributions of international students, both in terms of tuition fees and the diversity they bring to American campuses.

However, the article quickly shifts to discuss a controversial policy change announced by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE issued a directive stating that international students enrolled in programs that were entirely online for the fall semester would not be permitted to remain in the United States. This policy was a significant departure from the flexibility that had been granted to students during the spring semester, when many universities had shifted to online learning due to the pandemic.

The ICE directive mandated that students enrolled in fully online programs must depart the country or transfer to a school offering in-person instruction. This policy was met with immediate backlash from universities, students, and advocacy groups, who argued that it was not only inhumane but also logistically impossible for many students to comply with the directive. The article details the confusion and fear that this policy instilled in the international student community, many of whom had already made significant financial and personal sacrifices to study in the United States.

The article goes on to explore the broader implications of the ICE directive, noting that it could have a chilling effect on international enrollment in U.S. universities. Many prospective students, already wary of the risks associated with traveling during a global health crisis, might be deterred from applying to U.S. institutions if they feared being forced to leave the country mid-semester. This could have long-term consequences for the competitiveness of American higher education on the global stage.

In response to the ICE directive, a coalition of universities and advocacy groups filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, seeking to block the policy. The article provides an overview of the legal arguments made by the plaintiffs, who contended that the directive was arbitrary and capricious, and that it violated the Administrative Procedure Act. The lawsuit also highlighted the potential harm to students, who could face deportation, loss of educational opportunities, and disruption to their lives.

The article also delves into the political context surrounding the ICE directive, noting that it was seen by many as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to restrict immigration. Critics argued that the policy was designed to appeal to the president's base, who had long been skeptical of immigration, rather than being based on public health or educational considerations. The article quotes several experts and politicians who condemned the directive as a political move that prioritized ideology over the well-being of students.

In addition to the legal and political dimensions, the article explores the personal stories of international students affected by the policy. It features interviews with students from various countries, who share their experiences of uncertainty and fear. One student, a doctoral candidate from India, described the emotional toll of not knowing whether she would be allowed to continue her research in the United States. Another student, from China, spoke about the logistical challenges of potentially having to return home, where the political climate could make it difficult for her to continue her studies.

The article also examines the response from universities, many of which were caught off guard by the ICE directive. Some institutions announced plans to offer hybrid learning models, combining online and in-person instruction, in an effort to comply with the policy while still providing educational opportunities to international students. Others expressed solidarity with their international students, vowing to support them in any way possible, including helping them navigate the legal system if necessary.

The article concludes by noting that the situation remained fluid, with the outcome of the lawsuit and the potential for further policy changes still uncertain. It emphasizes the need for clear and compassionate policies that prioritize the health and safety of all students, regardless of their immigration status. The article calls on the U.S. government to reconsider the ICE directive and to work with universities and advocacy groups to find a solution that supports international students during these challenging times.

Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the U.S. government's decision to resume issuing student visas while simultaneously ordering the departure of certain foreign students. It highlights the complexities and contradictions of immigration policy during a global health crisis, and underscores the human impact of these policies on international students. The article serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and flexibility in addressing the needs of students from around the world.

Read the Full BBC Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/us-resumes-student-visas-orders-230135633.html ]