The Department of Homeland Security issued a directive July 6 that requires international students in F-1 and M-1 status to take at least one in-person class to maintain their immigration status during the fall 2020 term and remain in the United States. 
 
OHSU strongly opposes this requirement during the COVID-19 pandemic, which forces both international students and institutions to prioritize in-person learning over public health. At OHSU, protecting the health of our learners, faculty and staff, while guarding against community spread of the virus, continues to be our highest priority. As Oregon’s academic health center, we are training the next generation of health care providers and biomedical researchers, drawing talented learners from all over the world. During the current global health pandemic, we are committed to safeguarding their health, safety and continued education while we prepare them to serve in future health crises.
 
The majority of OHSU educational programs will be operating under a hybrid model for the fall 2020 term, including both online coursework and in-person instruction, with appropriate safety measures in place. Experiential learning that requires in-person instruction must also occur in a manner that conserves personal protective equipment so that only essential in-person instruction should occur. OHSU is committed to ensuring that the health and science education of international students is not impacted by this new rule and that their personal safety is paramount.