Dear UT Community,

As you may know, the recent announcement by ICE this Monday has left over 1 million international students in the country uncertain about their immigration situation for the fall semester. 

As UT prioritizes online classes, foreign students on an F1 visa are frantically trying to figure out what this means for them and what they should do, given that if they are to stay in the country, they are required to attend an in person class despite the imminent risk of being exposed to COVID-19.  If the student prefers to take classes online for their safety, they are not allowed to remain in the country, even though many have signed leases.

Planet Longhorn is the University of Texas’ largest international student organization, and most of our members will be affected by this announcement if this plan follows through. We know that many of you are worried as to what is going to happen to you with everything being so uncertain at this time, and we want you to know that we see you, and that we hear you. 

The University of Texas prides itself on its diversity, with over 5000 International Students who make up 10% of our school total population. These students represent more than 120 countries many of whom have travel restrictions at this moment. If UT is proud of its Diversity and Inclusion, we believe that it is important for UT to fight for these students. This petition demands that The University of Texas creates accommodations for all foreign students. They can do so by either giving them priority in already existing in person classes or by creating an in person or hybrid class solely for international students. If UT is able to create this class, then our international students will not only be able to stay at The University of Texas, but also in the United States. Due to the pressure of time, this is a concern that must be solved immediately for the sake of our international students.

Along with our petition, we ask you all to sign the petition addressed to the White House, urging the administration to allow all international students to stay in the country.

We want you all to know that Planet Longhorn cares deeply for our international community. You all are what helps make Planet Longhorn continue moving, and what makes UT so diverse and unique. Do not lose hope, we are in this together.

Let’s sign this petition to prompt change, because what starts here, changes the world! Hook ‘em Horns!