International students make up almost 10% of the student body.
Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar
For the past few months, international students at University of Houston—almost 10% of the student body—have been at the mercy of seemingly constant policy changes. As of August, students with F-1 visas can only participate in Curricular Practical Training, or internships only if practical training is required of all students enrolled in a program to earn the degree.
Optional or elective internships and experiences no longer qualify for CPT authorization.
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The Department of Homeland Security also introduced a new rule limiting international students to four years of study, a change to the previous Duration of Status policy with major implications for doctoral students whose programs often go longer than a standard undergraduate degree plan. The rule came into effect today, Sept. 15.
However, at the time of reporting, the rule was yet to take effect.
Challenging to stay
“It’s getting harder and harder every day to be able to stay in the country because of the strict policies,” said industrial engineering sophomore A.B., who asked to be referred only by her initials. “It’s going to end up with people suffering.”
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A.B. is an international student from Turkey on UH’s swim team. While she’s grateful for the opportunity to simultaneously pursue her sport and a rigorous academic track, recent national policies have been hard to stomach.
In fact, she had to reconsider her own plans: in June, the National Collegiate Athletic Association issued new eligibility rules, allowing qualified Division I student-athletes up to five years of eligibility.
But even if A.B. wanted to do so, the overhaul of Duration of Status means that she wouldn’t be able to pursue her degree for an extra year without going through a separate application process.
“I might want to swim for five years, but if I choose to do that and I don’t get an extension after my four years, I won’t be able to continue to swim and I will have no degree,” A.B. said. “That’s just useless.”
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Supply chain management senior Sania Ameen moved to the U.S. with her family from India in 2019.
Long-term changes
Ameen is scared that her visa status might be impacted, so much so that her goal is to enter the field of immigration law.
“My visa could be affected at any point and that worries me the most,” Ameen said. “We’ve seen cases where international students just get picked up by the immigration officers and get detained.”
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In a request for a statement, the University advised that international students reach out to the International Student and Scholar Services Office with any questions.
“We recognize that changes to federal immigration regulations may create uncertainty and questions for members of our international community,” said a University spokesperson. “Supporting international students remains a priority at UH, and our International Student and Scholar Services Office is prepared to help students understand and navigate evolving federal requirements.”
But according to Ameen, ISSSO isn’t always helpful.
Once, she wasn’t contacted or made aware that her I-20 form, which is a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, has expired. Though the issue was resolved quickly, Ameen isn’t fully putting her trust in ISSSO.
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Communication issues
“They have communication issues,” Ameen said. “Being on top of students is their job and I feel like it’s not always what they do.”
Ultimately, it is a combination of unpredictable national policy and administrative shortcomings at UH that is weighing on international students.
In January, the Department of State suspended visa issuance, either fully or partially, for 38 countries.
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Supply chain management sophomore Jose, who asked to be referred to by his first name only, has always been passionate about geopolitics. Now more than ever, it has become a needed skill.
“I am always aware of the news around immigration, and due to how inexplicable and sudden this administration can be, me and my family know we have to be on our toes for any news,” Jose said.
However, despite these circumstances, mentally, socially and educationally, Jose said his experience in college so far has been good.
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His three American roommates have become good friends. He works at the Recreation Center. Though he is perpetually vigilant and a bit cynical about his future job prospects, he said coming to the States for his education was worth it.
“The U.S. at least gives you a chance for success, which in my country I really do not have,” Jose said. “However, it is still something that needs to be heavily thought out by the student and the family, because it is not an easy decision.”
Editor’s Note: This story first appeared in The Cougar, the University of Houston’s student newspaper. It has been published by Chron through a partnership with the university’s student newspaper. The program helps further disseminate important on-campus news and gives incoming journalists an opportunity to gain professional experience before graduation.