Dear Colleagues,
Over the past few weeks, news reports have detailed actions taken by federal immigration authorities that affect international students and scholars, including the termination of immigration status without notice to the individual. These federal activities have become more widespread within the past few days. Students at many institutions of higher education—including the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign—are being affected.
International Student and Scholar Services has reached out to each impacted individual to offer support and guidance. ISSS protects student privacy and follows federal privacy laws. ISSS does not publicly share specific details of anyone’s immigration status.
A student F-1 or J-1 termination involves canceling an individual’s immigration status in Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This can be done by federal agencies or the school for many different reasons including an individual changing to a different status or failing to maintain status requirements. The university has no authority to reverse these terminations.
The federal government does not proactively notify the university of no-contact terminations, but ISSS regularly monitors SEVIS immigration status of students and scholars. When a status is terminated for any reason, by either a federal agency or the school, ISSS directly communicates with the individual to provide details and options specific to the individual’s unique situation.
While individuals are responsible for maintaining their own immigration status, and terminations can be the result a failure to remain in compliance with those regulations, the university is attentive to the fact that a termination can be significantly disruptive and unsettling. We are sharing the information below to provide specific guidance on how colleges and departments can plan to support anyone who experiences a no-contact termination. For more frequently asked questions about immigration, please visit this FAQ prepared by ISSS.
Academics
Based on immigration rules, this termination does not carry a grace period. Individuals should consider making plans to exit the United States immediately. Anyone without a valid student immigration status cannot continue their studies in person, and ISSS is encouraging students to speak with their academic programs for guidance on continuing their degree programs. If possible, the university is encouraging colleges and departments to provide alternative learning options, including online learning, to allow students to complete their degree programs.
Employment
Individuals without a valid immigration status must cease employment immediately. Colleges and departments should be aware of this requirement and encourage impacted individuals to consult with their Human Resources teams for support.
Research
If an impacted individual is engaged in research as part of their academic program, colleges and departments should support the transition of research responsibilities within the lab or department in compliance with all applicable research best practices. For compliance and safety guidance, please contact the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation.
Affected graduate students may have access to university data and should consult with their advisors about any material they wish to take with them to ensure they do not violate any export compliance rules or university policy on data.
Legal Services
Individuals may wish to investigate options to remain in the United States. Below is information we are sharing with the affected individuals.
LOCAL IMMIGRATION ORGANIZATIONS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS THAT ADVOCATE FOR IMMIGRANTS & IMMIGRATION
Again, we know it is unsettling for anyone whose immigration status is revoked, and we are working to provide the resources and support to navigate the situation. Thank you for respecting their privacy and for being kind and empathetic to every member of our university community.
Sincerely,
Robert J. Jones
Chancellor
John Coleman
Provost