Let M’sian students continue with online studies, US urged
The Malaysian government is hoping that the United States will find a “feasible solution” for Malaysian students to continue pursuing their studies online and remain in the country.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the United States hosts the third largest population of Malaysian students studying abroad.
“Given the importance of the United States as an education destination of choice, the government of Malaysia encourages the US authorities to reassess the need to end this temporary exemption, and find a feasible solution for our students to continue pursuing their studies online and remain in the United States,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Hishammuddin added that they were deeply concerned over the fate of more than 6,000 Malaysian students who are pursuing their studies across the United States.
On Monday, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced an end to the temporary exemption for foreign students taking online classes for the fall 2020 semester, which begins in August.
These exemptions were previously permitted by the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Both Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has sued the US government over the move.
Meanwhile, several Malaysian students told The Star that they are in the dark over the ruling, which is expected to have far-reaching implications for international students studying in the United States, especially those resuming lessons this fall semester.
According to the new ruling, international F-1 (academic) and M-1 (vocational) students attending schools operating entirely online may not take a full online course load and remain in the United States.
Malaysian embassy in Washington has advised Malaysian students to reach out directly to their respective universities, as the status of their fall classes will be crucial in determining their immigration status.
“The embassy is seeking to obtain further clarification from ICE on its latest decision.
“The embassy is also working closely with the Education Malaysia Office and the National Assembly of Malaysian Students in America to monitor the well-being of Malaysian students in the United States,” it said.