“On Friday, January 27, the administration of President Donald J. Trump issued an executive order that bans anyone with passports from Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, Iraq and Sudan from entering the United States for 90 days or longer, even if they already have a green card or a visa. The order also directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to submit a list of other countries for which issuance of visas and other immigration benefits may be suspended.
The State Department has been directed to expedite the completion of a biometric entry/exit tracking system for all travelers to the U.S. This would include uniform screening standards such as in-person interviews for all individuals seeking a nonimmigrant visa. This could impact all non-U.S. citizens entering the country, including our international students, faculty and staff who are traveling.
Because of possible difficulty in re-entering the United States, Texas Tech University is recommending that any students, faculty or staff members who hold a passport from the seven countries named above to avoid any international travel. As noted, this list of countries could expand.
Texas Tech has more than 3,000 students, faculty and staff from over 100 countries. Each is a valued and welcomed member of our university and community. They contribute to our mission of education and research, our academic stature, and cultural diversity. At Texas Tech, we also have a number of students who enrolled as DACA beneficiaries.
Earlier this month, at the request of the Texas Tech System, discussions and planning involving all System components were begun with the intent to develop a plan to address the concerns and circumstances of these students. That planning is ongoing and is consistent with Texas Tech’s commitment to inclusion and diversity, while also complying with all applicable immigration laws.
At Texas Tech University we are committed to supporting all members of the Red Raider family. The Office of International Affairs will monitor the situation for further developments.”
(News release from Texas Tech University)
