University joins amicus brief opposing new guidance for international students

On behalf of its four campuses, the University of Nebraska system has joined an amicus brief opposing new federal guidance requiring international college students to leave the United States if their coursework is online-only.

The amicus brief supports a lawsuit filed last week by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology seeking to block the new policy from U.S. Immigrations & Customs Enforcement. The University of Nebraska is among numerous colleges and universities around the country, including most Big Ten institutions, that have joined the amicus brief, one of a number of legal challenges to the federal guidance.

While NU’s campuses will be open for in-person, on-campus instruction this fall, university leaders are expressing their full support for international students not just in Nebraska, but across the country, according to NU System President Ted Carter.

“International students contribute enormously to the academic, cultural, social and economic fabric of our campuses and communities. Our University, our state and our country are immeasurably enriched by their presence. We join colleagues across the country in hoping that these valued students will be provided as much flexibility as possible during a time of crisis. Here at the University of Nebraska, the chancellors and I will continue to do all we can to support our international students as they continue their educational journeys. We are fortunate to have them as part of our university family.”

Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, chancellor of the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the University of Nebraska at Omaha, said the University of Nebraska is committed to supporting its international students.

“At UNO and UNMC, we are home to a large and diverse international student body — each one a vital part of what makes our institution a truly exceptional place to learn, teach, work and grow,” Dr. Gold said. “We hope that this decision helps ensure that the educational journey of all of our learners at our great university is able to continue.”

In fall 2019, more than 4,100 international students were enrolled at UNMC, UNO, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska at Kearney. International students contributed more than $177 million to Nebraska’s economy in 2019, according to the Institute of International Education’s annual “Open Doors” report.
The four student body presidents of the University of Nebraska last week issued this joint statement in support of NU’s international students.