HARTFORD—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) joined a letter including Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Reps. Joe Courtney (CT-02), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Jim Himes (CT-04), and Jahana Hayes (CT-05) led by Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) urging the Trump Administration to rescind the new Student and Exchange Visitor Program guidance issued by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and consult with stakeholders to avoid any unnecessary interruption in travel for international students. This new guidance would require international students to leave the United States if they take online courses offered by their school during the COVID-19 crisis.

“On July 6th, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a new order that would require international students to leave the United States if they take online courses offered by their school during the COVID-19 crisis. The ability of international students to enter and remain in the United States should not be hindered by an academic institution’s shift to online only-curriculum in response to the ongoing pandemic and to ensure the continued safety of students,” wrote the Connecticut Delegation. “Before any further restrictions are implemented, the Administration should roll back the decision to not issue visas to students at schools that go to online-only education this fall and should work with our academic institutions, states, and public health officials to determine urgent needs and consult on the best way forward as our schools prepare for the upcoming school year.”

Full text of the letter can be found here.  

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