After the Trump administration placed new restrictions on Curricular Practical Training (CPT), a program that has historically allowed F-1 international students to work off campus, some international students have had to turn down jobs, while others expressed uncertainty about future opportunities.
In August, ICE sent a memo to colleges and universities directing them to issue CPT only when an internship or practical training experience is necessary for graduation, a stricter interpretation of the existing policy. The memo states that “improper CPT authorization” could result in “administrative or legal consequences,” such as a college losing its ability to enroll international students.
Tag: International Students
Rooted and Restless: Sleepwalking through stigma
Rochelle Lu shares her experience navigating insomnia and the stigma of mental health throughout her childhood in China and now here in Claremont. Lu faced relentless challenges as she sought relief, whether it was doubting critics or inaccessible wellness resources — chasing sleep felt like a never ending nightmare. Lu emphasizes the intersectionality of her struggles as an international student, explaining how the added stress of managing familial relations abroad paired with the sudden introduction to a new culture inherently impacts one’s wellness.
New international students face challenges amid Trump visa policies
New international students faced difficulties obtaining visas, hindering their ability to attend the Claremont Colleges.
OPINION: My name is not your choice
What’s in a name? Vaidehi Srinivasan PO ’27 says it’s up to you to decide.
FLI, international students push for Pomona summer storage options
As the spring semester winds down, 5C students are facing the annual question of where and how to store their personal belongings over the summer. Pomona College students — who have typically had the option to store their belongings on campus over the summer — were told that, this year, on-campus spaces are “not suited for long-term storage,” according to a March 1 email from Dean of Campus Life Josh Eisenberg.
Diana Vicezar PZ ’24 launches free career platform for international students
Inspired by personal experiences, Diana Vicezar PZ ’24 created a new career platform called Mapis to help fellow international students find internships.
Invasion of Ukraine weighs heavily on 5C community members with connections to the conflict
When Maria Lyven PO ’22 asked her family how they were doing last week, her mother told her that she woke up to the sound of explosions.
Shaila Andrabi builds a home for South Asians in Claremont
Now a chaplain at the McAlister Center, Shaila Andrabi has provided a touch of home for South Asian international students for over 30 years.
OPINION: International students need more support as COVID-19 travel restrictions continue
The 5Cs must offer more support to international students facing restrictions on travel to their home countries due to COVID-19, with possible actions including recruitment of domestic host families over winter break and increased support with job and internship searches, writes Scarlett Liu CM ’24.
OPINION: Need-blind admission for international students is a necessity
Pomona must extend its need-blind admissions policy to international students to fulfill its pledged commitment to affordable education, writes Yifei Cheng PO ‘24.