BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Cal State Bakersfield responded with a message of support to its international students amid U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement new visa guidelines.
In a statement from the university, CSUB President Lynette Zelezny said:
Following guidance from the California State University, CSU Bakersfield has developed a plan for a virtual fall semester intended to keep our community safe during the ongoing pandemic. Because most of our course offerings will be delivered online, university leaders, in consultation with the Chancellor’s Office, are reviewing what the ICE decision means for our international students.
We know this decision is distressing for our international students, faculty and staff. This is a matter of urgency, and we will have more information soon on how the CSU and our own campus plan to proceed.
In the meantime, please know that CSU Bakersfield stands with our international students, their families, friends and supporters in our ’Runner community.
Stay safe and stay strong.
On Monday, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program announced modifications to temporary exemptions for nonimmigrant students taking online classes due to the pandemic for the fall 2020 semester. The new modifications stated in part, "Nonimmigrant students within the United States are not permitted to take a full course of study through online classes. If students find themselves in this situation, they must leave the country or take alternative steps to maintain their nonimmigrant status..."
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security plans to publish the procedures and responsibilities in the Federal Register as a Temporary Final Rule.
