All four institutions in the University of Nebraska system have joined an amicus brief opposing new federal guidance requiring international college students to leave the United States if coursework is online-only.

The amicus brief supports a lawsuit filed by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology seeking to block the new policy from U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. The brief includes numerous colleges and universities around the country, including most Big Ten institutions, that have joined the amicus brief. It is one of a number of legal challenges to the federal guidance.

While all NU institutions are planning for in-person, on-campus instruction this fall, university leaders joined the brief to give full support for international students across the country, according to Ted Carter, president of the NU system.

“International students contribute enormously to the academic, cultural, social and economic fabric of our campuses and communities. Our university, our state and our country are immeasurably enriched by their presence,” Carter said. “We join colleagues across the country in hoping that these valued students will be provided as much flexibility as possible during a time of crisis. Here at the University of Nebraska, the chancellors and I will continue to do all we can to support our international students as they continue their educational journeys. We are fortunate to have them as part of our university family.”

In fall 2019, there were 2,560 international students enrolled at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. They were among more than 4,100 international students enrolled in the entire NU system. Those student contributed more than $177 million to Nebraska’s economy in 2019, according to the Institute of International Education’s annual “Open Doors” report.

University leaders, including the system’s four student body presidents, also lent their support to NU’s international students when the new policy was announced July 6.