US Federal Statement in Support of International Education

On July 26, the US Department of State and the US Department of Education issued a Joint Statement of Principles in Support of International Education,  committing the US federal government to several action steps designed to recognize the value and reinforce the US's role in international education. Among the principles enumerated included a commitment to "[welcome] international students, researchers, scholars, and educators to the United States in a safe and secure manner and encourage a diversity of participants, disciplines, and types of authorized schools and higher education institutions where they can choose to study, teach, or contribute to research."In addition, the statement recognizes "the significant benefits that international students, researchers, scholars, and exchange alumni contribute to research, innovation, economic development, and job opportunities in many fields and sectors throughout the United States."

The International Center's mission has always been to support Tufts's international students, scholars, and employees in the pursuit of their educational and professional goals. If anything, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought into sharp relief the interdependencies that we have as members of a global community, faced collectively with multiple economic, political, and climatological challenges. We know that much work remains to be done in order to provide comprehensive support to international education, but the above statement provides important validation of our international students and scholars and the work that you are doing and contributions you are making as members of our community.