
Penn administrators acknowledged uncertainty among international students in an email sent Friday after the Department of State announced its plan to conduct more rigorous reviews of students from China and Hong Kong residing in the United States.
The May 30 email — signed by Vice Provost for Global Initiatives Ezekiel Emanuel and Associate Vice Provost for Global Initiatives Amy Gadsden — addressed the “uncertainty and concern” among students following the State Department’s announcement. In the email, International Student and Scholar Services advised students from China and Hong Kong to “reconsider non-essential international travel” until policy implementation is clarified.
“We want to assure you that we are aware of the challenges you face and are here to support you,” Emanuel and Gadsden wrote. “Your presence at Penn is important to us.”
The email was addressed to all Penn students from China and Hong Kong and followed a May 28 email assuring the University will work “flexibly” with international students experiencing “arrival delays.”
The May 28 statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the government, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security, will begin to “aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields.”
Rubio also noted that the government will revise the criteria of all future visa applications from China and Hong Kong to “enhance [the] scrutiny” of reviews.
Gadsden echoed the letter’s affirmation of support in a statement to The Daily Pennsylvanian, writing that “ISSS has been working 1:1 with students who are reaching out with questions and we are hopeful that all Penn students will be able to start or continue their studies in the fall without interruption or delay.”
The May 30 email emphasized Penn’s commitment to international students, and informed students that it will continue to update students as new information becomes available.
“We continue to advocate for international students, including those from China and Hong Kong, through national institutions and partners,” read the May 30 email. “Although progress may not always be visible, we remain committed to these efforts.”
The latest ISSS announcement follows a series of announcements regarding developing immigration policies from 1968 Wharton graduate and President Donald Trump’s administration.
An earlier email sent on May 28 to incoming international students noted that students may experience “arrival delays” due to a federal pause on international student visa interviews.
Penn also indicated its support for its international students and scholars after the Trump administration decided to block Harvard University from enrolling international students.
“Thank you for your patience and resilience,” Emanuel and Gadsden wrote. “You are not alone.”
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
Donate