Amid executive orders targeting immigration from President Donald Trump, the Office of International Students and Scholars at the University of Rhode Island will continue to offer support to the university’s international student community, according to Melissa De Jesus, director of International Student Scholars and Immigration Services.
“This is a time when folks can be concerned,” said the Vice Provost for Global Initiatives, Kristin Johnson. “We offer open advising hours to meet all the needs of students.”
Trump has signed multiple executive orders, including the deportation of illegal immigrants and halting the progress of migrants seeking asylum, according to BBC News reporter, Nadine Yousif. So far, no executive orders have been signed affecting international student’s ability to apply for study visas.
The OISS provides international students with the documentation to apply for F-1 or J-1 student visas that would allow them to study at URI, according to De Jesus.
The university takes in a variety of different students and scholars in its international programs, according to Johnson. There are full-time international students, exchange programs and graduate scholars coming from across the world to study at URI.
“If the rules around that process change we have to follow that,” Johnson said. “It’s not up to us, it’s a system issue.”
The OISS must be certified under the United States Homeland Security, and maintain compliance with the law, according to Johnson.
The OISS does not control the visa certification process; which is handled by the consulate within the student’s home country, according to Johnson. The office can sponsor the student and provide documentation stating that the student has the academic and financial ability to attend URI, but the consular officer has the final say in whether or not the visa is granted.
Currently there are no laws in place that would prevent any international students from seeking an education at URI. If laws were to change however, every university in the country would be affected, according to Johnson.
“[Immigration policy] has not really impacted international students yet,” De Jesus said. “They do have questions about travel for example, however they do not have major concerns about remaining here and continuing their studies.”
Taking in international students will always come with its unique challenges, according to Johnson. For example, if a student comes from a country with unstable currency, it may be difficult for them to afford their education on a yearly basis.
“It’s a very complex geopolitical environment and it always has been,” Johnson said. “Students have a lot of different needs and issues.”
If international students have any concerns about immigration policy affecting their status, or any other issues, the OISS offers walk-in hours and appointments to assist them, De Jesus said. The office will also provide information via email if there are any policy updates that may affect their students.
The OISS also provides students with pre-arrival preparation instruction and post-arrival support and informational programs, according to Johnson.
“We try to support success within the community,” Johnson said. “[Being an international student] can be really lonely.”
Every semester, the OISS hosts a welcome week for international students a week before classes start, according to De Jesus. This includes orientations on campus life, maintaining immigration status and social events to meet other international students.
The office also provides the global peer ambassador program that provides academic and personal support for students, according to Johnson.
If international students have any concerns about their immigration status at URI, they can visit the International Center on the third floor of 37 Lower College Road. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.