The International Students and Scholars (ISS) program at the University of Wyoming informs international students to not panic yet. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announcement concerning international students not being allowed in the country if their university is completely online only affects enrolled students not on Optional Practical Training (OPT) for the coming fall semester.
“International students are a valuable part of the University of Wyoming and Laramie community,” said Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Anne Alexander in a shared University email. “Their presence in our classrooms and research labs enhances the academic experience for all of our students, faculty and staff. We are watching closely as new litigation unfolds, and we are researching and seeking clarity on how this guidance might affect our students at the University of Wyoming. However, there are several faculty members who will not be able to begin their work at UW this fall due to this proclamation and reasons related to consulate and embassy closures.”
International students do not have to panic if they already have an F-1 visa and are already in the United States; or, if they have an F-1 visa and their home country permits travel to the United States and the United States permits entry from that country.
All international students must take at least one in person or hybrid class, which is both in person and online, consisting of three credits. More in person classes should be taken if possible. Students in the Intensive English Program with F-1 visas must take all 18 contact hours in person. Students outside the U.S and unable to enter must take a full schedule of online classes. Students who are unable to secure an F-1 visa may enroll in a full schedule of online classes and should speak with ISS and UW.
Gabriel Argüelles is a senior at UW studying civil engineering due to his interest in transportation such as building highways. He is an international student from Mexico and has been a UW student since the spring of 2018.
“I actually met a few UW students at my university in Mérida, Yucatán for a month,” said Argüelles. “I then applied to the university as an exchange student later to transfer from my former college.”
Argüelles chose UW due to it being a fairly cheap university compared to others in the U.S and he has thoroughly enjoyed the free student activities such as bingo and the cultural dinners. Compared to his university in Merida, Mexico, the care shown by the UW professors is much better than what he was receiving in his home country.
Due to the recent announcement, Argüelles is nervous he will have to return home for his education. He is not one to particularly like online classes though due to them not being the best platform for students to learn. He may transfer back to his university in Merida need be, though, Argüelles said they are also having troubles in planning classes.
For others, the recent announcement is not fearful but only a nuisance.
“This new rule is nothing more than added troubles on top of being a normal college student,” said Aina Farid. “There would be no issue if I have to return back to Malaysia but there are other countries who have closed their borders where no one can come in or out. I just wonder where would these students go? If UW International students really have to relocate, it would be great if courses can fully integrate online so that we can still be associated with the university despite where we are in the world.”
Farid, a senior, has been a UW student for the past two years pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communication. Farid is from Malaysia but lived the majority of her life so far in South Africa and the Philippines.
“I chose to study in the United States of America because of the lifestyle that is not as restricted as other countries,” said Farid. “For example, there is no freedom of speech in Malaysia but in the USA, some people are allowed to express themselves whether it be differences in religion, sexual orientation, or social justice opinions. I chose to study at the University of Wyoming because it is one of the most affordable universities in the country that can offer students high quality education.”
There is more information to come as ISS and UW gain more information on the new announcement from ICE. For now, the ISS says to continue to plan for a fall semester at UW. Farid said that the ISS program at UW is the best to keep in contact with for concerned students. They are always up to date on the newest regulations and guidelines when it comes to immigration policies in the U.S and have no problem helping with any immigration questions.
Provost Alexander also spoke on the importance of having international students and faculty members at UW in order to provide the best educational experience UW can offer. Having international students and faculty means having world-class students, scholars and a diverse community. The diversity maintains the intellectual community at UW. Alexander said more information will be shared by UW when they receive more information themselves.
