Dear President Drake and UC Chancellors,
Over the past month, the Trump Administration has escalated its attacks on international scholars through visa revocations and targeted detentions. At the University of California alone, over 100 immigrant scholars and recent graduates have had their visas and SEVIS status terminated, with no valid justification. These actions pose a profound risk not only to international scholars and their families, but also to UC’s core missions of research and education.
International scholars form an integral part of the UC academic community, conducting critical research and educating future generations. As your recent statement states, they are “integral to our academic and civic life, and vital to breakthroughs that have benefited our community, the country and the world.” In the face of these attacks on immigrant rights and higher education, it is vital that the UC put weight behind its words and commit real resources to protect those who form the backbone of the university.
The University of California has long been at the forefront of the fight for immigrant rights in higher education. UC must live up to this history by joining other universities in their opposition to the Trump Administration’s blatantly illegal attacks on higher education and immigrants. We, the undersigned, call on UC to immediately take the following actions to protect international scholars at UC:
- Establish a legal defense fund for individuals impacted by changes to their immigration status
- Provide financial support for individuals facing an immigration-related loss of employment, including fellowships, employment accommodations, and reemployment guarantees
- Take all available measures to restore the immigration status of impacted individuals
- Deny federal immigration agents access to university property without a judicial warrant
- Publicly affirm and defend the right to academic freedom and free speech
Sincerely,
[click here for list of signatories]