UC Berkeley has a rich tradition of international engagement with institutions and researchers from all over the world who are committed to the advancement of research, scholarship, and service. We are of the firm belief that the international student and scholar community are vital to the intellectual life of the university and to our teaching and research mission. We remain committed to protecting these interests. This is a time when we are experiencing unprecedented events both within the U.S. and globally. It is therefore incumbent upon us to advocate for sound legislation and policies that are more welcoming and reflect our values.
The University of California system and UC Berkeley continue to monitor and advocate for sound legislation around immigration matters. Following is an update of what efforts are being made to address specific issues. When situations arise where you can assist, we will provide links for you to follow to join our advocacy efforts. For updates regarding the most recent U.S. immigration policy, Executive Orders, and travel advisories, please see BIO's Immigration Policy Updates & FAQ webpage.
Current Issues
DHS Proposed Duration of Status Rule
On September 25, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security published a proposed rule that seeks to eliminate the practice of Duration of Status and replace it with a date certain I-94 end date. Instead of being admitted for the duration of the program of study (D/S), individuals applying for admission in either F or J status would be admitted for the length of time indicated by the program end date noted on their Form I-20 or DS-2019, plus a period of 30 days following their program end date. At this time this is only a proposed rule and it is unclear if and when it will become a final rule.
BIO has serious concerns about the implementation of this rule and is working with our colleagues in the office of Federal Government Relations at the University of California, Office of the President (UCOP) to put together a statement that jointly reflects the comments of all ten of the UC campuses to fundamentally advocate against this rule. In the meantime, please see the resources below for ways to advocate against this rule.
- 10/23/2020 - University of California comment letter
- 10/22/2020 - University of California Student Association letter
- 10/22/2020 - NAFSA institutional comment letter
- 10/06/2020 - Letter from members of Congress
- 09/24/2020 - NAFSA statement
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
The current administration continues to target Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows international students to work for 12 months, usually after graduation, and 24 additional months in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. A summary of a rule proposal on the agenda states: “ICE [Immigration and Custom Enforcement] will amend existing regulations and revise the practical training options available to nonimmigrant students on F and M visas.”
Litigation:
- On November 30, a D.C. federal court ended the Washtech v. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) case that challenged OPT. A written decision will come within 60 days.
Advocacy efforts in support of OPT:
- 10/21/2020 - NAFSA statement: Acting Deputy Secretary Cuccinelli Threatens to Terminate International Educators
- 06/12/2020 - Letter from California Chamber of Commerce
- 06/02/2020 - Letter from Republican Members of Congress Supporting OPT Program
- 06/01/2020 - National Graduate Student Organization Calls on the White House to Support OPT & H-1B to Strengthen Academia and the Economy
- 05/26/2020 - Letter from U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- 05/19/2020 - Joint UCSA-UCGPC Letter in Support of Optional Practical Training (OPT) Program
- 05/18/2020 - Letter from 10 University of California Chancellors to Departments of Homeland Security and State
DOL and DHS H-1B Rules
UPDATE: On December 1, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California set aside both the Department of Labor and Department of Homeland Security interim final rules which had been published on October 8, 2020. This blocks both rules from being enforced or implemented. Read more on NAFSA's website.
On October 8, 2020, both the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and US Department of Labor (DOL) published separate Interim Final Rules (IFR). The new DHS regulations, along with the companion DOL regulations, will affect the wage minimums for the H-1B and PERM programs. The IFRs are a result of President Trump’s April 2017 proclamation, “Buy American Hire American” (BAHA).
The DOL rule, which took effect on October 8, 2020, amends existing regulations governing the H-1B and PERM programs. Specifically, the rule will change the computation of the wage requirements for non-represented positions.
The DHS rule, which takes effect on December 7, 2020, is titled “Strengthening the H-1B Nonimmigrant Visa Classification Program.” Changes include revised definitions and standards for a ”specialty occupation” and “employer-employee relationship,” limited petition validity for third-party placements, and other changes that make use of the H-1B category more challenging.
BIO has serious concerns about the implementation of these rules and is working with colleagues in the office of Federal Government Relations at the University of California, Office of the President (UCOP) to fundamentally advocate against these rules.
Litigation:
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Chamber of Commerce et al. v. DHS et al. challenges both the DOL and DHS interim final rules. See the U.S. Chamber Litigation Center for more information, including case filings. A hearing took place on November 23, 2020 and we are awaiting the court’s decision.
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Purdue, et al. v. Scalia challenges the DOL rule only. The hearing, originally scheduled for November 13, 2020, was cancelled by the court because it expects to issue a decision soon. See the Purdue website for more information, including case filings.
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American Council on Education (ACE) filed two amicus briefs that support the motions for preliminary injunctions in the California and District of Columbia cases.
Previous Issues
ICE Guidance for Fall 2020
7/15/20 UPDATE: On Tuesday, July 14th, 2020 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agreed to rescind in its entirety the July 6th guidance and July 7th FAQ pertaining to Fall 2020 instruction for F-1 students. Based on a July 15th SEVP Update, universities will revert to the DHS guidance provided for Spring and Summer 2020, which is now extended into the fall semester.
Please read our new, updated July 15th Updated BIO Guidance related to Fall 2020 Instruction email for detailed information, and note that this information is subject to change. Please watch for more emails from BIO and updates to our COVID-19 FAQ page.
On July 6th, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued guidance to universities indicating that it would issue a regulation in the coming weeks that could potentially force many international students to return to their home countries if they are taking entirely online classes for the Fall 2020 semester.
- 7/22/20 - Letter from American Council of Educators (ACE) seeking clarity regarding the status of incoming international students
- UC statement on Department of Homeland Security reversal of international student visa order
- Message from Chancellor Christ
Litigation:
- UC poised to sue federal government over new visa policy for international students
- Litigation on SEVP Fall 2020 COVID-19 Guidance (Master list from NAFSA)
Letters from legislatives:
- 7/10/2020 - Letter from the Offices of Senator Feinstein and Senator Harris
- 7/09/2020 - Letter from the Office of U.S. Representative Dingell
- 7/09/2020 - Letter from the Office of Congressman Panetta
- 7/09/2020 - Letter from the Office of Senator Warren
- 7/08/2020 - Letter from the Office of Senator Collins