Update and Support for Students from China and Hong Kong in Light of Visa Policy Changes

Dear Students from China and Hong Kong,

We understand the uncertainty and concern raised by changes in U.S. visa policy and in particular the State Department’s May 28 announcement that it will implement a more rigorous review of Chinese and Hong Kong students in the U.S. We want to assure you that we are aware of the challenges you face and are here to support you.

Your presence at Penn is important to us. We continue to advocate for international students, including those from China and Hong Kong, through national institutions and partners. Although progress may not always be visible, we remain committed to these efforts.

While we wait for more clarity around the implementation of the government’s recent policies, we advise students from China and Hong Kong to reconsider non-essential international travel at this time.  Please reach out to your ISSS advisor if you have any questions. You can also contact Rudie Altamirano, ISSS Executive Director at rudiea@upenn.edu, with any questions.

If you have questions about how these policies might affect your academic plans, please reach out directly to your School or program director.

While we may not have all the answers now, we are committed to keeping you informed as we receive new information.

Thank you for your patience and resilience. You are not alone.

Sincerely,

Zeke Emanuel, Vice Provost for Global Initiatives
Amy Gadsden, Associate Vice Provost for Global Initiatives