When the recent directive from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Student Exchange and Visitor Program threatened to deport thousands of international students unable to enroll in in-person classes due to the novel coronavirus–induced fall quarter format, outrage ensued.
U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, of Seattle, co-authored a congressional letter against the directive. A petition to accommodate international students at the UW has now drawn nearly 30,000 signatures. Professors responded with offers of in-person independent studies. Digital activists posted lists of in-person classes on social media. And the UAW Local 4121 International Solidarity Working Group took to the streets.