TL;DR:GSWs and Postdocs unite at this critical juncture! On Friday, April 25th, workers will be delivering this list of demands to Caltech’s administration. RSVP here!
Over the last two months, we have seen academic scholars targeted, across the US, in a broad federal attack on academia and other civic institutions. Last week, we learned that two members of our bargaining unit at Caltech had their visa statuses revoked.
International students and scholars have always faced challenges and precarity on account of our status as visa holders. These recent actions by the federal government have increased these challenges and created substantial concern and uncertainty for international scholars. We can respond to these threats by working together through our union to support our international colleagues.
At this critical time, the most important step if someone is facing such revocation is to get counsel from an experienced immigration lawyer. Each person’s situation is different and we should not speculate about what is best for any given individual. Instead, we want to ensure that our colleagues have the necessary support, consistent with their individual needs, that will put them in the best position to remain as part of the Caltech community.
What can you do as an international scholar?
In the event that you are experiencing an unexpected change in immigration status or any other immigration-related emergency, please call this number: (888) 416-2110. You will be referred to an immigration attorney who has agreed to assist UAW academic workers and with whom you can have a confidential conversation about your situation. In addition, you can help protect yourself and your colleagues by consulting Know Your Rights information.
Caltech’s International Office also has a list of resources and recommendations, which includes guidance about immigration enforcement on campus.
What can Caltech do?
While the Trump administration has gone over Caltech’s head to revoke visas, there are steps that Caltech can take to protect and support international students. Postdocs and GSWs put together this letter, with specific demands of the Caltech administration outlining all the ways Caltech can and should support international workers.
- We demand that Caltech provide legal support for individuals impacted by SEVIS terminations
- We demand that Caltech provide emergency financial and institutional support
- We demand that Caltech support reinstatement of SEVIS status for impacted students and postdocs
- We demand that Caltech prevent immigration enforcement on campus without a judicial warrant
- We demand that Caltech publicly defend student speech and academic freedom
Next Friday, April 25th at 10:00AM we will be meeting outside Red Door and walking to Parson Gates to deliver this letter of demands. RSVP here!