July 14, 2020
Dear SDSU Community,
We are elated to share that last week’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement-issued
policy, which would have restricted the ability of certain international students
to study in the United states, was rescinded today by the Trump administration. We
are pleased with this outcome.
As members of a global community, we strongly support our international students,
as well as faculty and staff born and raised around the globe. Today’s decision comes
after nationwide criticism and planned litigation, including a lawsuit the California State University system jointly filed, opposing the updated guidelines. Such a policy was unrealistic and problematic,
and would have significantly hampered the teaching and research missions of public
higher education across the nation, including our own.
Next Steps for Our International Students
Earlier, we asked all of our international students to respond to a survey so that
we could quickly assess how best to support them.
- If you are a continuing student you no longer need to complete the survey. With the policy rescinded, our expectation
is that we will be able to welcome you back to classes according to our SDSU Flex plan guidelines.
- If you are a new incoming freshmen or transfer student, please complete the survey as soon as possible, if you have not done so already.
SDSU Global Affairs will continue to work closely with all incoming international
students to meet their educational planning needs for Fall 2020.
Please look for and carefully read all forthcoming emails from SDSU Global Affairs,
which will provide more specific instructions for your unique situation to ensure
you are supported and confident to move forward with your academic goals. If you have
any questions, please contact the International Student Center by emailing [email protected]
Next Steps for Our Campus
Faculty have drafted a resolution, which will go before the University Senate later
this month, to pledge solidarity and offer continued support for our international
students.
SDSU Global Affairs and many across campus have worked quickly and diligently to identify
solutions for our international students so they can remain connected and continue
their studies and research. We will continue to provide guidance to our international
students.
With Gratitude
As a campus community, we remain proud of our SDSU global family, which is far more
vibrant and engaging because of our nearly 1,800 international students. Each of you
are an integral part of our SDSU family and meaningfully enhance our community through
your unique lived realities, perspectives, and intellectual curiosity you bring to
the lab and to the classroom.
Special gratitude goes to the entire Global affairs team and the many campus members
who have worked tirelessly to support our international students. Today, we celebrate
this victory together.
Adela de la Torre, Ph.D.
San Diego State University President
Cristina Alfaro, Ph.D.
Interim Associate Vice President for Global Affairs