OISA: Election Outcome
This email was sent to Grinnell’s international students and exchange visitors on 11/10/2016. International students also receive regular FYI email messages from the OISA, sharing reminders and promotive special events. Students and exchange visitors are invited to make individual appointments to discuss unique, individual questions and scenarios, by visiting Student Affairs or calling 641-269-3700.
To: International Students and Exchange Visitors
From: OISA
Date Sent: November 10, 2016
Subject: On the election, from the OISA
International Grinnellians, We are writing in reference to the U.S. Presidential election.
Many of you have expressed concern about how immigration regulations may change with the Trump presidency. During his campaign, Mr. Trump spoke a lot about immigration, and you can read some of his immigration rhetoric. He said very little about international students, but we want to assure you that the OISA staff is watching these issues closely through our professional networks and affiliations. Regulations regarding F-1 non-immigrant status are set by the Code of Federal Regulations, which are set by U.S. Congress. The president cannot singlehandedly change the Regulations, and we do not know of significant changes for F-1 visa holders with regard to your ability to study here, or to access work authorization through CPT, OPT, or STEM. We do know that immigration form fees will increase in late December, but that was announced several weeks ago and was not driven by election politics.
Additional Reminders (these are all items that we have previously advised, as well):
- We value your safety. If you or your friends experience bias on campus or in the local community, please let the College know! Contact the OISA, Campus Safety, the CRSSJ, Diversity & Inclusion, or whoever you feel most comfortable reaching out to – WE WANT TO HELP. We invite you to review Grinnell’s Hate Crime and Bias Motivated Incident Policy.
- Secure an Iowa State ID or Driver’s License. It is simply smart to secure this form of REAL ID that can/should be carried on your person, beyond your Passport and National ID Card. Each year, several F-1 students encounter problems with travel or other logistical challenges because they didn’t follow this advice.
- Plan ahead regarding visa applications. If your family/friends need a tourist visa to visit you here; if you will need to renew your U.S. visa; or if you plan to study or travel outside the U.S. - be proactive and work several ahead. There are already stringent security checks, but, they will likely get longer. See International Study, Travel, & Internships.
- Be cautious about political activism. This is not a new recommendation, but it is an important reminder at this time. Protest can seem peaceful, then out of nowhere, you are in the wrong place at the wrong time! We want you to be involved with social justice issues, and civic engagement is important – but as a non-immigrant visitor, we recommend that you move issues forward in other ways. You can be an educator, trainer, program planner, and work with groups in leadership positions. You are smart enough to figure out many ways to make a difference, without placing your immigration status at risk.
- As a non-immigrant student in lawful status, you cannot be deported because of your religion or nationality, and you cannot be deported for a single misdemeanor offense. That said, a citation or arrest does have a negative impact on F-1 status, so it is valuable to practice caution in this regard. In addition, while deportation is not a consequence for a misdemeanor charge, and arrest and conviction for some misdemeanors (including illicit drug use and possession) can result in a ban of retry of the U.S. Please review the OISA Handout about F-1 Arrests and Convictions (*note that this handout is currently under review by our legal counsel).
The OISA staff are unanimous in our concern about Donald Trump's stance on immigration, as well as his affirmation of bias and anti-immigrant sentiment. We share this worry with many students, staff and faculty, and FIS Hosts - and we also care deeply about YOU, Grinnell’s international student community! We will continue to support your stay, and we’ll do our very best – so that YOU can focus on your life and learning as a student at Grinnell College.
If you have additional questions or concerns, please visit the OISA. As always, you are welcome to call #3700, visit the front desk in the Student Affairs Suite, or email Connie Herchek at herchekc@grinnell.edu to set an appointment with OISA staff. Please stop by to let us know how you are doing.
Karen Edwards, Brenda Strong, & Jaime Chambers
Office of International Student Affairs