Good afternoon NAPALSA members,
          
We are relieved to share that the Trump Administration has rescinded the ICE policy released on July 6, 2020 that would have required International Students to leave the US if their program did not host in-person classes in Fall 2020. Harvard and MIT immediately sued the federal government with at least 17 states quickly following suit. Higher education institutions across the country began to modify their course offerings to comply with the policy in a way that protected international student’s immigration status and the health of their campus community during an international pandemic.
 
NAPALSA is reaching out to say that we will continue to monitor developments with this policy and encourage programs to vocalize their support of international students. It is important to us that you are aware that the policy has been rescinded, but more importantly, that you know your contributions to our community are not dependent on your immigration status. We are honored to be part of a community that is so diverse and rich in perspective, history, and knowledge. We also want to acknowledge the harm that this policy and surrounding discourse may have caused you and acknowledge that hurt.
 
We want you to know that you are not alone during these trying times. We recognize that many international students may be without their family members and support networks. We hope that we can help to fill in some of those gaps and offer you support and community.
 
NAPALSA can be reached via our website, or you can contact President.Napalsa@gmail.com to get involved, or to reach out to talk to a new friend. We hope to celebrate more good news with you soon.
 
Take care of yourselves, and each other.
 
Sincerely,
            Amanda Pham Haines
            NAPALSA President 2020