Ministry to support Vietnamese students in U.S.

The ministry called on Vietnamese students in the U.S. to stay calm and keep close watch on developments to make informed decisions.

The ministry called on Vietnamese students in the U.S. to stay calm and keep close watch on developments to make informed decisions. (Photo for illustration: hanoimoi.com.vn)

If they have to return home and study online, they must register with the Vietnamese Embassy in the U.S., the ministry said, adding that it will coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to propose the organisation of flights to bring the students home.

The ministry will continue to work with relevant agencies, especially the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam, to remain updated on the situation and provide appropriate and timely support.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said it will not allow foreign students to remain in the country if all of their classes are moved online in the fall because of the COVID-19 crisis.

In a statement on July 6, ICE said, “Non-immigrant F-1 and M-1 students attending schools operating entirely online may not take a full online course load and remain in the U.S.

“Active students currently in the U.S. enrolled in such programs must depart the country or take other measures, such as transferring to a school with in-person instruction, to remain in lawful status.”

The announcement received a harsh response from international students, because the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many universities in the U.S. to switch to online teaching entirely while most countries have not reopened their flights to and from the U.S.

On July 7, the U.S. State Department reassured international students by asserting they are always welcome to study in the country.

Source: VNA