US experts warn: “It’s the time to pull the fire alarm”

“Now is not the time to remain on the sidelines” said Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration CEO Miriam Feldblum, addressing delegates of The PIE Live North America conference in Chicago.  

“It’s time to pull the fire alarm, and that does not mean panic,” said Feldblum, highlighting the “escalating cascade” of attacks on international students, from the government’s unlawful SEVIS terminations and visa revocations to the travel ban on 19 nations and the visa interview suspension whose effects are still being felt.  

“Like firefighters, we’re not panicking, it’s a call to respond to mobilise, and to act together, to defend our students and challenge unlawful and harmful actions,” she continued.  

Of utmost concern, said Feldblum, is the anticipated forthcoming rule to end “duration of status” by which students can stay in the US for the duration of their studies, replacing it with fixed four-year time limit on student visas.  

If enacted, the proposed rule would make it “far more unpredictable and burdensome” for international students at US campuses and for those applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) said Feldblum, expecting the change to come “sooner rather than later”. 

Now is not the time to remain on the sidelines

Miriam Feldblum, Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration

“Whether it’s joining as a co-plaintiff in a case, joining an Amicus brief, submitting a declaration, providing data, or providing much needed financial support because litigation is expensive, all these kinds of engagements are crucial if we’re going to be successful as a sector.”  

Elsewhere in the conference, fellow leaders doubled down on the threat of ending duration of status, with NAFSA senior impact officer Joann Ng Hartmann advising institutions to prepare students for its implementation. 

What’s more, Hartmann said the threat to Optional Practical Training (OPT) was also imminent, with the messages from the administration “loud and clear” on the issue.  

Hartmann reiterated the need for collective action to challenge incoming legislation in the courts, highlighting the “unprecedented” litigation recently mounted by the US Chamber of Commerce challenging Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee hike. 

“If there was ever a moment where true leadership needs to show up, it’s now,” added AIEA CEO Clare Overmann, highlighting this year’s Fall Snapshot from IIE revealing the continued growth of OPT participation by 14% this year.  

Feldblum declared that maintaining postgraduate pathways for international students was a “national talent imperative”, warning that the administration’s actions had taken international education to a “tipping point” in the US.  

As well as litigation, Feldblum higlighted the value of communication and advocacy to share the important contributions of international students to “shift the narrative and counter misinformation”. 

“Storytelling matters. When we educated, engage and spread accurate, positive messages about international students, it makes a difference,” she said. 

Delegates heard that for every three international students in the US, one job is created. What’s more, for every 10 international STEM students, a further 15 places are created for domestic STEM students, said Feldblum. 

Elsewhere, Hartmann said the administration’s “deluge assault” on international students since April demanded engagement and communication beyond the echo chamber of international education, urging delegates to reach out beyond the campuses and communities to those who haven’t heard the message.  

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