TAA Passes Resolution Opposing the DHS Proposed Rule Changes to Visa Status

Whereas the US Department of Homeland Security published a proposed rule to eliminate duration of status for F students and their dependents, J exchange visitors and their dependents, and I media representatives in the Federal Register on Friday, September 25, 2020;

Whereas this rule would limit the admission period for international students from duration of status to four- or two-year terms, mandating regular reapplication for extension of stay and requiring application fees and biometric screenings;

Whereas the criteria used by Department of Homeland Security for determining groups forced into two-year visas creates additional burdens for citizens of many African and Asian countries;

Whereas this rule would make US Citizenship and Immigration Services—rather than a department, program, or university—the final arbiter of compelling academic reasons for an extension of stay: therefore so be it

Resolved, the TAA shall encourage all members to submit public comment opposing this proposed rule;

Resolved, the TAA shall call on UW–Madison International Student Services and Student Affairs to educate all international students about the changes we would personally face if this draft of the rule were to go into effect;

Resolved, the TAA shall call on UW–Madison Chancellor Blank, UW President Tommy Thompson, and the UW System Board of Regents to submit institutional comments opposing this proposed rule and to commit to legal action if the rule is changed;

Resolved, the TAA shall call on our elected officials to do everything in their power to draw attention to this issue and to fight for the rights of international students.