Updated September 27, 2020
On September 25, the US government presented a proposal to substantially change many features of the rules governing international students, visiting scholars, international post-docs, and their families. These proposed rules make it more difficult and costly for students and scholars to remain in the US, pursue additional degree programs, participate in internships and training activity, and raise the potential for severe delays in the processing of applications by the government.
We value our international students and employees. They bring a diversity and breadth of experience that is vital to the spirit of excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity at the University of Tennessee.
We are in the process of reviewing and addressing the proposed changes. Regardless of what changes may be implemented, the University of Tennessee will work to the best of our ability to lower barriers for our international students and employees. In the following days, we will be updating this page and providing additional information to help the UT community understand the potential changes and provide resources for individuals to effectively voice their concerns.
Here are some available resources
- National Law Review – Some insight into the past issues on this topic. https://www.natlawreview.com/article/proposed-rule-would-replace-duration-status-policies-international-students
- Stanford University Statement: https://news.stanford.edu/2020/09/25/stanford-statement-proposed-visa-duration-rule/
- Council of Graduate Schools: https://cgsnet.org/dhs-issues-new-guidance-impacting-international-students
- Inside Higher Ed Story: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2020/09/25/trump-administration-proposes-major-overhaul-student-visa-rules
- Voice of American Story: https://www.voanews.com/usa/immigration/proposed-us-visa-changes-explained
- NAFSA resource page – has a lot of technical information: https://www.nafsa.org/professional-resources/browse-by-interest/proposal-replace-duration-status (This is probably the most comprehensive, but does not do a good job of translating the implications of the rule change).
- Sahara News – Details about the arbitrariness of visa overstay calculation and 2 year stay limits: http://saharareporters.com/2020/09/26/united-states-announces-new-measures-limit-visa-duration-nigerian-students-others