Immigration Update: Presidential Proclamation
- Jun 3, 2020
Dear International Students and Scholars from China,
We understand that the worldwide COVID-19 crisis, in addition to events of civil unrest occurring in the United States, cause great concerns to our international community. During these uncertain times, we recognize that it is difficult to receive further news of immigration restrictions imposed by the United States government. We are here to support you as you determine how the potential changes could affect your academic career in the weeks and months to come.
On Friday, May 29, President Trump issued a proclamation that prohibits certain Chinese graduate students and researchers from entering the United States on F or J visas and mentions the potential revocation of visas for these individuals already in the United States.
The proclamation applies to F-1 or J-1 graduate students and researchers from China who have an association (this includes current/past funding, study or research) to an “entity” that implements or supports China’s Military-Civil Fusion (MCF) strategy. The proclamation exempts undergraduate students and graduate students/researchers who do not have ties to an entity that supports the MCF strategy.
At this time, no instructions have been provided for universities to take action on the proclamation. Once details become available, we will have a clearer sense of how visa application processes will be impacted as well as the status of Chinese graduate students and researchers currently in the United States.
In light of the proclamation and due the travel restrictions in place, we advise all current UT Chinese graduate students and researchers to refrain from traveling outside the United States.
For further information, Q&As are posted on our Stay Informed website but we also encourage you to reach out to us directly. Our advising team will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as soon as they become available.
We remain committed to the diversity that our international students and scholars bring to UT Austin. You are a valued member of our community, and we will strive to support you through this difficult time.
Sonia Feigenbaum, Ph.D.
Senior Vice Provost for Global Engagement
Chief International Officer
Texas Global
Alison R. Preston, Ph.D.
Interim Vice President for Research
Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost