Currently, MSU is one of many colleges that issue a single I-20 form to students who meet academic but not linguistic requirements, which is referred to as provisional admission, MSU Director of Admissions Jim Cotter said.

Under provisional admissions, students can enroll at MSU, but they can study in the English Language Center or take English classes to help better their language skills while they are in school.

Peter Briggs, the director of the Office for International Students and Scholars, or OISS, said if the changes move forward, they will have a big impact on MSU. Changes could create a burden for those issuing the I-20 forms in the OISS and for international students, who might get confused by such a complex process.

Despite possible changes, he said MSU will continue to work at admitting international students as much as possible at any English proficiency level.

“We are (looking) for top students from anywhere, and just because your English is not strong now, doesn’t mean your English won’t be strong later,” Briggs said.

To Kubatbek Alimbekov, president of the International Students Association, these English exams and requirements are nothing new. He said he had to take one before leaving Kyrgyzstan and enrolling at MSU.

“Adding extra steps (means) more headaches for students and for universities,” he said.

As of now, this policy still is up for discussion and has not been solidified by the DHS, Briggs said.

“There has been a lot of confusion, and there remains a lot of confusion,” Briggs said. “And we are seeking clarification on it.”