The letter, dated October 14, 2021, and addressed to Jeffrey Zients and Dr. Rochelle Walensky, is a collective request from numerous higher education associations concerning the treatment of international students and scholars during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The signatories express gratitude for previous flexibility shown by U.S. authorities, especially through the National Interest Exemption that allowed international students and scholars to enter the United States despite travel restrictions. With upcoming changes to U.S. travel and entry policies, which will emphasize proof of full vaccination, the associations voice concern that individuals from countries with limited access to U.S. or World Health Organization (WHO)-approved vaccines may be unfairly restricted from entering the country to pursue their studies or research.
The letter urges the administration to continue offering flexibility by allowing these international students and scholars to travel to the U.S. and receive vaccination upon arrival, either on campus or within the local community. The associations highlight the proactive efforts of many institutions in ensuring vaccine availability and compliance and ask that engagement with the higher education community continues as new policies are developed. Ultimately, they stress the importance of ensuring that access to vaccination—or lack thereof—in countries of origin does not impede international educational exchange, underscoring the sector’s commitment to public health and international collaboration.
