To the Case Western Reserve University community,
In recent weeks, there have been reports nationally and locally of international students’ visa statuses being terminated within the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) without notification. At Case Western Reserve, we have been actively monitoring our students’ statuses to detect any changes. We can confirm that, over the past two weeks, four active students have had their F-1 visa status terminated by SEVIS.
This revocation of status makes it illegal for any student to remain studying or working in the United States.
I know how disconcerting this might be for many in our community. Let me say again what I said on Feb. 5—namely, international students, faculty, staff and postdocs are and will continue to be an essential part of the Case Western Reserve community.
Our goal, as always, is to support all members of our community in their efforts to study, work and contribute to our vibrant campus environment. In each of these visa termination cases, a team from across the university—including the VISA Office, the Division of Student Affairs, and academic leadership within relevant schools, among others—is working with the affected student to provide support and, where possible, legal options.
As more details emerge on these and other immigration-related situations, I want to reiterate guidance provided by the CWRU VISA Office in its March 25 email, and provide additional information:
- At this time, the university recommends all international students, faculty, staff and postdocs cancel travel outside the U.S. until further notice. Students interested in remaining on campus this summer may consider our undergraduate and graduate summer term courses (in person and online), as well as discounted summer housing and dining options.
- Members of our international community should carry evidence of their valid immigration status with them at all times.
- Such evidence can include passports, I-94s, visa stamps, EADs, Permanent Resident cards, I-485 receipts, etc.
- U.S. immigration law also requires notification of any changes of address within 10 days. Additional information on these requirements is available on the VISA Office website.
- In line with CWRU’s 2021 policy, all faculty must pre-register any university-related international travel with the Office of International Affairs. Doing so helps the university assist in the event of an emergency during travel and provide guidance on complying with applicable laws, and allows faculty to register for the university’s medical emergency insurance policy, among other benefits.
- All travelers should share their plans with a family member or friend. And whether you’re in Cleveland or overseas, if you’d like someone to know your status daily, we encourage you to develop a regular check-in plan to stay in touch.
For the latest information on travel policies and procedures, visit the VISA Office website and subscribe to VISA News for any information. Do not rely on rumors or social media for your travel information.
For those with questions regarding how to respond if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other agencies come to campus, please see the frequently asked questions from my Feb. 5 email.
As always, those in need of counseling support should use CWRU’s free services at any time. Students can reach University Counseling Services at 216.368.5872 or by scheduling an appointment online through MyHealthConnect, or access 24/7 online support through TimelyCare; faculty and staff counseling services are available through AllOne Health, the university’s Employee Assistance Provider, at 800.227.6007 or its website.
Thank you all for your care and concern for your fellow members of our community.
Sincerely,
Eric W. Kaler
President