SEVP modifies temp exemptions for nonimmigrant students taking online courses

[namazu]

A number of professional societies have also gone on record opposing these changes.

Here's an open letter with signatories representing a number of STEM and social science fields: https://www.geosociety.org/documents/gsa/policy/letters/2020/student-visa-exemption-20200708.pdf

[jimbogumbo]

CNN is reporting that the administration is rescinding this directive.

[Puget]

CNN is reporting that the administration is rescinding this directive.

Just came here to post that-- finally some good news! Apparently they decided to settle the lawsuit and announced it during the first hearing in the case today (ending the case).
Someone must have gotten through to Tump (I'm imagining colorful charts with lots of dollar signs) what an economic disaster that would be and how it would thus hurt his campaign.

Here's the NYT article:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/14/world/coronavirus-updates.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage

[Katrina Gulliver]

They've reversed the ruling, but as it stands embassies abroad are all still closed due to Covid, and haven't been processing visa applications since March. So any incoming students aren't likely to be able to get a visa before the school year starts.

[mamselle]

There are also backstage whispers that the decision to rescind was so quick because someone might have an executive order up their sleeve, instead....

M.

[polly_mer]

The current ruling indicates that new international students cannot travel to the US for a term that starts fully online: https://insidehighered.com/quicktakes/2020/07/24/ice-new-international-students-cant-take-only-online-courses