Recently, President Donald J. Trump presented colleges and universities with two options—resume in-person classes in the fall or lose all international students—and Millsaps College in Jackson has decided to stand behind its international students.
Dr. Robert W. Pearigen, the President of Millsaps, released the following statement regarding the administration’s new restrictions:
“Last week, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced a set of draft regulations with potentially negative consequences on international students studying in the United States. The proposed changes to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) could jeopardize the well-being and success of the international students at Millsaps.
We recognize the incredible efforts that international students make for the sake of their academic endeavors and believe they belong on our campus just as much as domestic students. The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging to many of our students, but our international students should not have to bear this unjust burden.
I do not support this action, and I want to assure you that the Millsaps administration will take appropriate actions to mitigate the negative consequences of these regulations. To our international students, you are welcome here and we will do our best to make sure you can successfully meet your academic and personal goals. We are proud that you have chosen Millsaps.
Millsaps College will remain committed to supporting our international students as we act on our strongest values and work together to help them succeed.”
More than 200 schools and 17 states are backing a lawsuit brought about by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University against the Trump administration’s restrictions on international students.
