Vanderbilt statement on ICE guidance regarding international students

“We strongly oppose the guidance released by Immigration and Customs Enforcement yesterday pertaining to international students, which only sows further distress and uncertainty in a time of already tremendous upheaval. The impact will be devastating—on the lives of international students, on the ability of America’s top research universities to recruit the world’s best and brightest, and on our economy.

As Vanderbilt prepares for the fall semester amid a global pandemic, supporting our students and their health and well-being is our utmost priority. The university is committed to providing options and alternatives that allow all of our students access to a world-renowned education. Instead of providing support for international scholars, the new ICE guidance limits available options and undermines the ability of institutions of higher education to ensure international scholars can continue their studies. This is counterproductive, short-sighted and will have long-term consequences for our country and our standing in the world. Innovation, discovery and the research breakthroughs that will allow the world to address its most pressing challenges, including the current public health crisis, can only come from the free exchange of ideas and a diversity of opinions, skills and backgrounds. Vanderbilt is deeply concerned about the ICE guidance and is working with our peer universities, associations and federal policymakers to advocate for our international scholars, who have always been an integral part of the Vanderbilt community.”

Daniel Diermeier
Chancellor

Susan R. Wente
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs