As almost everyone probably knows, last Friday President Trump signed an executive order that, among other things, suspended entry of all refugees to the United States for 120 days, and blocked entry to the U.S. for at least 90 days for citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. The order also suspends the issuance of visas and other immigration benefits to nationals of these countries. And the White House has indicated that it is possible that other countries may be added to the list.
We know that Bradley currently has enrolled students from some of the listed countries, as well as from other countries that might be added to the list. We have faculty who are citizens of these countries as well. Fortunately, to the best of our knowledge, none of our students or faculty who are from the named countries are currently traveling abroad. If that is the case, because this executive order only deals with people trying to enter the United States, no one is in any immediate danger of being affected. While we understand that the general tenor of President Trump’s public comments both before and after the election, coupled with this executive order, is causing many to be anxious about what may lie ahead, we would urge everyone not to become overly alarmed. That said, because this executive order is unclear in its scope and effect, and is causing unfortunate disruption and anxiety to students, faculty, staff, their families, visitors, and others at colleges and universities all across the country, Bradley joins the Association of American Universities and many other universities in asking that the order be ended as soon as possible. You can access the AAU statement at: http://www.aau.edu/news/article.aspx?id=18366.
We re-emphasize that the current order only deals with entry into the United States. It does not immediately create cause for anyone currently in the country to fear any type of action by the U.S. government against them. Bradley will be monitoring developments closely to ensure that we fully understand how this and any future executive orders may affect members of our Bradley family who are citizens of other countries. Nonetheless, based on what we do know and until we are confident that things have normalized, we have two specific recommendations for all of our international students, faculty and others: First, for the time being, any non-U.S. citizens from any of the seven listed countries or other countries that might be added to the list should not leave the United States unless it is absolutely necessary. Second, if and when you travel within the United States, please make sure that you take with you documents that prove your immigration status.
These recent developments should be a matter of general concern to everyone in the Bradley community, not just those who are citizens of other countries. When any of our current students, faculty, staff, or visitors are unfairly treated or targeted by anyone, or when developments cause people from other nations to be discouraged from coming to Bradley, all of us are diminished. Accordingly, please know that Bradley University fully supports all members of our academic community. We remain committed to respecting and honoring the dignity of every individual and to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. We believe strongly that the diversity of faculty, staff and students enriches all of us and strengthens the furtherance of our mission. Going forward Bradley is committed to supporting everyone in our larger family with all of the resources at our disposal.
If anyone has specific concerns or questions, please contact the Provost’s Office at provost@fsmail.bradley.edu or 677-3152.
Gary R. Roberts, President
Walter R. Zakahi, Provost
