Leaders react to rescission of ICE visa restrictions

President Martha E. Pollack and Vice Provost for International Affairs Wendy Wolford sent the following message July 14:

Earlier this afternoon, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) rescinded its July 6 order requiring international students who take online-only classes this fall to leave the U.S. This means that national guidance issued in March that allows currently enrolled students who take online courses to reside in the U.S. and maintain legal F-1 status will remain in effect throughout the coming semester. This reversal followed a lawsuit filed last week by Harvard and MIT with support from Cornell and institutions nationwide.

This is a significant victory for all Cornellians and for international students at institutions throughout the country. We want to thank all of you – students, faculty and staff – for your outpouring of support for our international students over the last week. 

Granted, the fall semester will still present challenges, but we are heartened that this will no longer be one of them. We know that our international students still have many questions, and International Services will send a more detailed communication to international students shortly.

Stay safe and well.

Media Contact

Abby Butler