September 30, 2026

This past Sunday, I was asked the question, “Why is JK not directing the choir?” It’s a good question with an answer that is disappointing, saddening, and frustrating all at the same time.

Just before the current school year started, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) changed its interpretation of the program for international students which allows them to be employed during their academic programs. ICE now interprets the Curriculum Practical Training program, or CPT, very narrowly, such that any employment must be an integral part of a student’s academic program, e.g., an internship for academic credit. Employment in a “related” field where no credit is given is no longer accepted.

Thus, JK can no longer direct the choir as part of a CPT program. (And Ginika can no longer sing in the choir.) We are currently searching for a choir director and are thankful for Marianna stepping up for the next few weeks.

In effect, the change in interpretation locks most, if not all, international students out of related jobs in their fields of endeavor. Which is sad and, depending upon your political and economic views, either unjust or just in terms of employment practices in our country.

I choose to look at the issue through the lens of being “neighborly,” i.e., Jesus’ call to love our neighbor. Is the action of ICE “neighborly” to those whom we have grown to love and cherish? In any event, I am grateful that we will still see JK as a beloved participant in our Hazelwood community.

Rev. Eric