USA – Updates for International Students

A flurry of confusing pandemic-related changes to immigration policy have international students struggling to understand how their visas and, ultimately, academic careers may be impacted by these troubling directives. This alert clarifies the most current policies impacting international students and which visa categories may be affected. As always, GYH attorneys are available for consultations to answer any questions you have about your immigration process.

Good News: Online-only Course Loads Allowed for International Students
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on July 6th issued a directive that would have required international students to have at least some in-person classes in order to stay in the country. Last week, a swift lawsuit by Harvard and MIT, which argued the directive forced schools to choose between sacrificing international students and risking public health and safety, forced DHS to rescind the order.
The rescission of the directive restores the March 13 guidance permitting current students on F-1 visas to remain in the U.S. while taking online-only only course loads.
Unfortunately, newly enrolling international students are still not allowed to take online-only course loads but the case remains open and it is expected that the Trump Administration will also be asked to defend the restrictions facing newly-enrolled international students.

National Interest Exceptions to Schengen Travel Ban
The Department of State (DOS) announced that some students in the Schengen area, UK, and Ireland may qualify for a National Interest Exception (NIE). Students with valid F-1 or M-1 visas traveling from the Schengen Area, the UK and Ireland have been granted a blanket exception and do not have to take any special action to travel. Students travelling from these areas on J-1 visas should contact the nearest embassy or consulate to request a NIE.
Note that consular closures, which have been in place for months, largely remain in effect. Some posts are reportedly opening but, for the most part, we have seen little movement from these posts and few visas are being issued at this point.

SOURCE: https://www.grossmanyoung.com/

Internship, Africa Studies, Spring 2020

Overview

All who are selected to participate in CFR’s Blavatnik Internship Program and Robina Franklin Williams Internship Program receive training in the field of foreign policy and international affairs as well as skills training in writing, research, program planning, and much more.

The intern will gain familiarity with African political and security developments and/or terrorism, African history, corruption, transnational crime, democracy, gender issues, and governance. They will improve upon writing and editing skills, and gain the ability to compile and analyze research with minimal oversight.

CFR internships are paid, require a 14 – 18 hour commitment, and are filled on a rolling basis.

The major responsibilities of this position will include (but are not limited to):

  • Conducting research as requested by the research associate and/or fellow on a variety of topics related to Africa Policy
  • Assist with writing and editing content, including research memos and briefs, blog posts, book chapters, and other publications, as needed
  • With the support and guidance of the supervisor, contribute to and/or draft blog posts
  • Track daily news reports that are relevant for the department
  • Assist in logistical support for meetings, including but not limited to preparing distribution materials, helping with guest check-in, and guiding visitors during roundtables and other departmental events, under the supervisor’s direct supervision

Qualifications

  • Undergraduate or graduate student (preferred) with background in Africa studies, conflict resolution, international relations, development, political science, or a related field
  • Excellent research, writing, and editing skills 
  • Strong Microsoft Office skills (Excel and Word) and research skills
  • Familiarity with social media, crisis mapping, or GIS a plus
  • French, Arabic, or Portuguese language skills a plus, but not required

About CFR

Founded in 1921, the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is a leading nonprofit membership organization, research center, and publisher, with headquarters in New York, an office in Washington, DC, and programs nationwide. It is dedicated to increasing America’s understanding of the world and contributing ideas to U.S. foreign policy. CFR’s 5,000+ members are leaders in international affairs and foreign policy. CFR also publishes Foreign Affairs, the preeminent magazine on global issues, and provides up-to-date information about the world and U.S. foreign policy on its award-winning website, CFR.org.

CFR’s Internship Program is made possible through the generous support of the Blavatnik Family Foundation, the Robina Foundation, CFR members, and the family and friends of Franklin Williams.

The Council on Foreign Relations is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Quality, diversity, and balance are the key objectives sought by the Council on Foreign Relations in the composition of its workforce. MORE

Future Leaders Connect – The global network for emerging policy leaders

DbO0p06WAAEm3PX.jpg largeYour chance to connect to a long-term network of emerging leaders from around the globe, who want to change the world through policy making.

As a member of Future Leaders Connect, you will travel to the UK for nine days of advanced policy and leadership development at the University of Cambridge. You will discuss today’s biggest global challenges in the UK Houses of Parliament, meet inspirational leaders and visit world renowned institutions. Following your time in the UK you will have worldwide connections, a policy action plan for change and the skills, knowledge and networks needed to be an influential leader in your country and beyond.   Continue reading

EducationUSA Interactive: College & University Admissions Explained

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Want to go to a U.S. college or university, but don’t know where to start? Join EducationUSA for an interactive webchat on “College and University Admission Explained.” Experts on U.S. higher education, international students and U.S. Department of State will discuss how the admission process works and answers your questions! Learn how you can stay on track and improve your chances of getting into a school that’s a great fit for you!

Learn about:

·         Admission Timelines

·         Financial Aid and Scholarship packages

·         How your application is evaluated

·         How decisions are communicated to applicants

This online discussion is free and open to the public. The program will include a moderated conversation with questions submitted live from the online audience and is also part of our observance of International Education Week.

Contact your nearest EducationUSA Advising Center to see if you can join a group watch party or join from your home computer or mobile device by going to the EducationUSA Facebook page on the day and time of the event:  https://www.facebook.com/EducationUSA. MORE – CLICK HERE

 

 

 

Technology: African developers celebrated at Facebook’s annual F8 conference

African developers shared the stage with Facebook and developers from around the world, showcasing innovative products and services they have created for their local communities and the global market
Facebook (www.Facebook.com) celebrated the achievements and products of its growing African developer and partner ecosystem at its annual F8 developer conference (www.FBF8.com), held in San Jose, California, on 18 and 19 April. African developers shared the stage with Facebook and developers from around the world, showcasing innovative products and services they have created for their local communities and the global market.

Continue reading

Request for Applicants: 2017 Echidna Global Scholars Program

img_3588-1The Center for Universal Education at Brookings is now accepting applications for the 2017 Echidna Global Scholars Program. Echidna Global Scholars spend nearly five months at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. to pursue research on global education issues with an emphasis on girls’ education. Continue reading

From May 10, 2016, STEM F-1 visa students can work for 3 years under OPT

IMG_2480NEW YORK: F-1 visa students who are enrolled in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) fields of study from accredited educational institutions in the United States will be allowed, beginning from May 10, 2016, to work for as long as three years under the Optional Practical Training (OPT).

The Department of Homeland Security released its final rule in this matter, which will be published in the Federal Register Friday, March 11. The rule goes into effect on May 10, 2016, which means that all students who are either under OPT till that date, or who qualify for OPT by then, will be able to work further, for a period totaling 36 months. Continue reading