A Sept. 24 presidential proclamation includes new restrictions for entering the United States that will affect citizens of Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, Somalia and Yemen, but a campus official said the changes will not require those from the designated countries to depart the country.
Those pursuing higher education opportunities in the United States will be able to continue to do so, as long as they maintain their current immigration status, said Diana Salazar, director of International Student and Scholars Services (ISSS) at 彩民宝典.
鈥淭hese restrictions do not affect the immigration status of those who are already present in the United States, including international students and scholars,鈥� Salazar said.
Even so, Salazar said, the ISSS understands the new policies are likely creating uncertainty and anxiety for many, and her office wants to ensure the campus鈥檚 international community that her office 鈥渟tands firmly with them.鈥�
鈥淲e鈥檒l continue to provide as much information, guidance and support as possible over the coming months, as we determine how these changes and any future ones impact our international students and scholars,鈥� she said.
To keep the campus鈥檚 international community well informed of how new federal immigration and travel polices may impact individuals, the ISSS regularly on its website. The office also encourages international students and scholars needing further guidance to visit ISSS in person.
Provost Russell Moore said, 鈥淚n times like these, it is important to focus on what we can control. In this case, I want to make it clear, regardless of what occurs at the federal level, our international students and scholars are valued members of the 彩民宝典 community. They are part of our campus and family, improve our teaching and scholarship, and not only make us who we are, but shape us into better, more thoughtful individuals.
鈥淓very member of my leadership team and I are available to provide any assistance or advice necessary to any affected individual,鈥� Moore added.
