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U.Va. should withhold students’ immigration statuses

The University should prioritize student security, reject President Trump’s executive order

President Trump signed an executive order last Friday banning citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States and suspending entry to all refugees — a fundamental violation of our nation’s founding principles. While its legalities and ramifications are still under scrutiny, the executive order has stirred confusion, disruption and worry among members of our University community who are citizens of the countries involved in the ban. The University administration should explicitly reject this executive order and prioritize the safety and security of its students by refusing to release immigration statuses.

University President Teresa Sullivan and Executive Vice President and Provost Tom Katsouleas sent out an email yesterday addressing the executive order. The email highlights their significant efforts in advising and maintaining constant communication with those who are affected. Moreover, it announces a University-wide forum which will be held in the coming days to share information on the executive order and to address questions. While these efforts lay the foundation to help those directly impacted by the executive order, the University needs to take more direct action in rejecting this policy.

The University of Michigan defied Trump Saturday by refusing to disclose the immigration statuses of its students. Not only did the university voice disapproval, but it also reiterated its policies on nondiscrimination, privacy and public safety. If our University wishes to effectively object to the executive order and protect the safety and equal treatment of its students, it shouldn’t disclose immigration statuses.

As Sullivan emphasized in her email, “being a great university in the 21st century means being a global university, and our entire University community is enriched and enlightened by interacting with teachers and students from other nations.” Immigration is a cornerstone of our University. We must not allow Trump’s discriminatory policies to affect the lives of immigrants — people who have every right to call the University and the United States their homes.

While current efforts by the University administration have been prompt and commendable, they fall short in ensuring the safety and security of affected students, faculty and staff. By declining to release their immigration statuses, the University takes a vital step in providing them greater assurance of protection. 

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