Following Senator Collins’ Advocacy, Administration Reverses Unfair International Student Visa Policy

Washington, D.C. – Following a letter sent by U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Department of Homeland Security rescinded an unfair and unrealistic policy that declared that international students had to take in-person classes to remain in the United States legally.

“It is great news that the Administration rescinded its visa rule that would have jeopardized the education of nearly one million international students.  It also would have harmed hundreds of colleges and universities throughout the country, including many in Maine such as Bowdoin, Bates, and Colby, as well as the University of Maine system,” said Senator Collins.  “I called for the rescission of this unfair policy that penalized students taking online classes due to COVID-19.”

The agreement extends the exemption adopted on March 13 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through the end of the upcoming school year.  The ICE exemption will allow international students with F-1 visas to attend classes online while retaining their visa status.

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