Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Drastic Declines Expected in Foreign Students in US Madeline Joung Universities preparing for big declines in international enrollment and revenues will be further depressed by a federal decision to strip students of their visa status if they do not attend college and university in person this fall. "Active students currently in the United States enrolled in such programs must depart the country or take other measures, such as transferring to a school with in-person instruction, to remain in lawful status," stated the [1]U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in a release Monday. "If not, they may face immigration consequences including, but not limited to, the initiation of removal proceedings." "Today's guidance ... is harmful to international students and puts their health and well-being and that of the entire higher education community at risk," stated Esther Brimmer, executive director and CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators. "The COVID-19 pandemic in the United States remains unpredictable, and institutions should be trusted and be given the authority to make decisions that are right for their campuses based on their local circumstances," Brimmer said in a statement. References 1. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSICE/bulletins/29442bc