International Students and Postdoctoral Scholars

To: The Caltech Community
From:  Thomas F. Rosenbaum, President; David A. Tirrell, Provost

Caltech's success in research and education derives from its ability to attract remarkably creative and innovative students, postdocs, faculty, and staff. Researchers from the United States are joined by talented individuals from around the world in the pursuit of discovery. Our international cohort contributes mightily to the advancement of science, the development of new technologies, and the prosperity of our nation. They bring diverse perspectives and experiences that enrich every facet of Caltech's mission.

It is against this tableau that we find so disturbing the recent governmental actions threatening the ability of universities to enroll international students. The initial termination of SEVIS status of two international members of our community has been rescinded and we will continue to work with any members of our community facing visa revocations. In addition, Caltech is participating in a lawsuit to challenge unlawful termination of SEVIS records under the aegis of the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, of which we are a member. The comprehensive actions taken against Harvard have upped the ante, but were immediately restrained, pending further order by the court. We are exploring with Harvard and other peer universities additional actions that we can take to protect our international students and postdoctoral scholars.

Caltech's International Offices provide resources and services to help international students and postdoctoral scholars in duress, including daily monitoring of SEVIS. These resources include advice regarding rights and obligations under federal immigration and other relevant laws and referrals for legal representation to members of the Caltech community who have concerns about immigration matters. For such immigration matters, Ilana Smith, Director of the International Offices, can be reached at [email protected].

We all can contribute to strengthening our community by expressing our appreciation to international colleagues of the myriad ways in which they deepen the Caltech experience and enhance our accomplishments.