July 8, 2020

Statement on New F-1 Visa Guidelines

Dear Colleagues:

El Camino College seeks to create an open and welcoming environment where all students can reach their goals, including our more than 500 international students who represent nearly 60 countries. These students have chosen El Camino as the place to pursue their educational dreams in the United States. They strengthen and enrich our campus community.

That’s why we strongly oppose the new guidelines U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced Monday. International students holding F-1 visas are now prohibited from returning to or remaining in the U.S. this fall if the colleges they attend adopt online-only instruction models amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This forces international students to make a difficult choice between leaving the country abruptly or scrambling to find a new college.

Thankfully, this change is being challenged and will hopefully be rescinded. In the meantime, El Camino’s international students should know we stand in complete solidarity with them. Our International Student Program staff is available virtually to answer questions and provide assistance. We believe El Camino College is where every student belongs and every student succeeds. That includes our impressive and inspiring international students.

Best regards,

Dena Maloney
Superintendent/President
El Camino Community College District
16007 Crenshaw Blvd. Torrance, CA 90506