Dear International Students,

I wanted to reach out to you because of the recent decision by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to prohibit international students from remaining in the United States if they are enrolled in online-only coursework.  Since Marist plans to hold in-person classes this fall, we don’t believe this ruling impacts you, but the government’s action has understandably caused great consternation and anxiety among many international students.  In my view, it’s a bad decision that is in the best interest of neither our country nor our students.

Marist is represented in Washington, D.C. by the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), and this group is doing everything possible to overturn this ruling.  In addition, Harvard and MIT have filed suit against DHS and ICE to prevent them from enforcing the order and to have it declared unlawful.  I am hopeful that the efforts of NAICU and others to reverse this misguided policy will be successful.

I would like to state unequivocally that international students are an integral part of the Marist community.  Indeed, the entire nation benefits from the presence of foreign students at our colleges and universities.  Let me reassure you that Marist will do everything it can to support you during these uncertain times.  Our plan continues to be a fall reopening of campus with in-person classes, and we look forward to having you here with us.  If you are unable to travel back to the United States this fall, please let us know and we will help you identify appropriate online classes or directed study that can be completed from your home country.

Dennis

Dennis J. Murray
President
Marist College