The suit, which is supported by California State University system (CSU) and California Community Colleges officials, claims it unfairly harms international students and puts “themselves, teachers, other students and the community at large at risk of getting and spreading the coronavirus — or be subject to deportation.”

“Shame on the Trump Administration for risking not only the education opportunities for students who earned the chance to go to college, but now their health and well-being as well,” Becerra said in a statement.  “Not on our watch…Today’s lawsuit rests on America’s enduring principle that everyone who works hard and plays by the rules can earn a chance to get ahead. We’ll see the Trump Administration in court.”

…

Under the new policy, F-1 and M-1 visa holders “must depart the country or take other measures, such as transferring to a school with in-person instruction to remain in lawful status,” Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a statement, according to NBC News.

Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) has sent a letter to acting Homeland Security Director Chad Wolf urging an extension to the exemption that allowed students with F-1 visas to attend classes online while maintaining their visa status.

Collins stated that the “the exemption worked and ought to be extended… Its termination on short-notice is especially troubling given that the Student and Exchange Visitor Program’s (SEVP) new guidance requires colleges and universities to certify by July 15—just one week from now—whether to not fall semester courses will be offered online only, in-person only, or using a hybrid model.”