Dean Thomas extends support to all students and staff, because we’re all Hawkeyes no matter where we’re from
He also advised that no one from the banned countries leave the country at risk of not being granted entry back
President Trump has been in headlines across the country and world every day since his inauguration, his policy announcements coming quickly and with no frills. So it was little shock to students and faculty when an email came in Sunday afternoon and the first two words were his name.
“President Trump signed an executive order Friday that will impact visa processing abroad for international students and scholars, and will also impact some faculty, staff, and students traveling abroad,” wrote Downing Thomas.
With succinct professionalism, the Associate Provost and Dean outlined what the immediate consequences would be on the Iowa community, namely its international students. Thomas began by informing students and faculty that the visa interview waiver program has been affected by the executive order, and more time should be allowed for visa processing and interview wait times.
In supplemental information provided by the International Programs at Iowa it was made clear that the change in visa processing is the one part of the President’s policy that may impact all international students and their dependents. For the website states that “it appears that…all visa applicants will be required to apply through an in-person appointment with the U.S. consulate,” citing section 8 of the executive order (which can be accessed through the New York Times).
Concerning citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, Thomas stated that the executive order bans entry from nationals of the country for at least 90 days, then elaborated that anyone from one of those countries could stay in the US given the maintenance of their current visa status, and advised that no student or faculty from those countries leave the US as they “may not be able to reenter the country.”
He also noted that a federal judges order had temporarily blocked deportations on anyone detained on arrival in the US. As of the time when the email was sent, federal judges in Massachusetts, Virginia and Washington had made similar rulings to protect citizens of the seven banned countries with valid visas or refugee status.
Dave Loebsack, the state representative for Iowa’s second congressional district that includes Iowa City, released a statement on Sunday calling the executive order “shameful.” Urging the judiciary to “put a stop to this misguided action,” Loebsack also insisted that anyone seeking help reach out to his office.
Thomas concluded the email with a sentiment of solidarity within the UI community, insisting that “each of you, regardless of your background or country of origin, is welcome in our community.” The College of Liberal Arts and sciences also tweeted Sunday afternoon in support of the international community: