Universities respond to Trump’s travel ban

Within President Donald Trump’s first two weeks in office, he signed more than 20 executive actions, breaking Former President Barack Obama’s record. Some of these actions include banning U.S. funding for groups that support abortion, the advancement of the construction of two controversial pipelines, the withdrawal of the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, repealing certain parts of the Affordable Care Act, cutting federal funding for sanctuary cities, building a wall on the Mexican border, and issuing a travel ban on seven Muslim-majority countries.

Amongst all of the orders signed, perhaps the most controversial are the orders regarding immigration. During Trump’s campaign, he made a promise to build a “big, beautiful, and powerful” wall between the United States and Mexico; once in office, this was one of the first orders signed.

Another action item calls for the deportation of all undocumented immigrants who have violated any immigration laws. To enforce the deportation, Trump also intends on hiring more than 5,000 new border agents and 10,000 additional immigration officers. Also in order to enforce the deportation, Trump signed an order Jan. 25 that will withdraw federal funds allocated to “sanctuary cities” that aid undocumented immigrants.

Jan. 27, Trump ordered a ban on the entrance of citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries for 90 days. These countries include Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. The ban does allow an exception for individuals from the excluded countries who practice the Christian faith. Trump’s reasoning for the ban is to thoroughly vet the people entering the country and protect the United States from terrorists.

This ban has already resulted in travelers being detained and held in airports around the country.

All across the nation, universities are responding to Trump’s executive orders regarding the travel ban with formal statements expressing their appreciation for their entire student body. They encourage their communities from the seven Muslim-majority countries not to travel until the standards for entry into the U.S. is straightened out. They are also encouraging their student body to continue to practice their faiths. Amongst the universities, is University of Houston-Main campus. President Renu Khator offered comfort to the UH community who have been impacted by the travel ban.

UHCL’s president, William A. Staples, released the following statement:

“As a diverse and inclusive community that believes in the power of education, UH-Clear Lake stands with our students, faculty and staff from all countries, races, religions and backgrounds. UHCL currently has only a small number of student, faculty and staff from the impacted countries. Additionally, we have many students from other countries – 15 percent of our total student population – who are an integral and valued part of the UHCL family. We understand the concerns of the members of our community who may be affected by this and offer support to them.”

Nhee Vang, assistant director of the Office of Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (SDEI), says that students main concern is travel.

“Students really are looking for answers; we are here to help the students differentiate what is real news and fake news,” Vang said.

The SDEI is working alongside the Office of International Admissions and Programs (OIAP) to ensure that students feel safe and comfortable while on campus.

“The way in which the executive order was implemented, the media coverage, rumors and speculations about policy changes have all contributed to the heightened levels of anxiety and uncertainty,” said Sameer Pande, executive director and chief global officer in the Office of International Admissions and Programs.

In addition to SDEI and OIAP, students who have experienced some anxiety regarding the travel ban or other issues concerning immigration policies can also receive free services from Counseling Services, which is located on the second floor of the Student Services Building, room 3.103. Students are also encouraged to contact the UHCL Police Department to report any form of harassment or unsafe situations.

“I think we have to wait for the dust to settle before we find out the actual impact of this order,” Pande said.  “America has been the beacon of hope for the free world that attracts the brightest and the best from across the globe. I remain optimistic that ‘we the people’ will ensure that our core values are not diluted.”