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Bradley Working Out Options for International Students To Retain Immigration Statuses

Bradley University
Bradley University President Stephen Standifird.

Bradley University President Stephen Standifird said new rules from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) requiring international students to take in-person classes to remain in the country won't affect Bradley students, but are still of "serious concern."

"Many believe this rule is an effort to encourage all schools to go back to face-to-face, in-person classes-- a decision Bradley has already made," he said.

Live or hybrid classes are planned for most of the semester, with social distancing measures and mask requirements in place. Standifird said though online classes are planned following fall break, a plan is in the works for international students.

"Because we know how important it is for our international students to retain their immigration status, we are exploring options to make sure they remain engaged on campus during those final weeks so the ruling won't impact them," he said in a video message to the Bradley community on Tuesday.

Standifird said because the rules are currently being fought in the courts, many legal experts believe they may never go into effect.

Other universities, including the University of Illinois System and Illinois State University, are backing a lawsuit filed by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and 18 other attorneys general seeking an injunction against the rule.

Standifird said his own wife is a Hong Kong native. He said international students remain welcome at Bradley.

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Tim is the News Director at WCBU Peoria Public Radio.