President Donald Trump signed an executive order Jan. 27 banning people’s entry from seven Muslim-majority countries. The title of the order is “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States.”
The immigration order temporarily bans residents of Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen, and permanently bans residents of Syria, including refugees. The Secretaries of State and Homeland Security can add countries to the list at any time.
With more than 1,000 NSU students, faculty, and staff coming from more than 100 countries, including those listed on the order, the order’s issuance affects the NSU community. In response to the order, NSU President Dr. George Hanbury released a statement on Jan. 30, encouraging those affected by the ban to refrain from leaving the country.
“As a university that has diversity as a core, I felt it was important to give that advice as well as to remind everyone that whether we are American citizens or foreign visitors coming to the university, we are here to gain knowledge, understanding and be culturally exposed,” he said.
Some felt that Hanbury’s statement was not a definitive stand for the protection of students. Mohab Idriss, senior biology major, said he thought the emailed statement was a good gesture, but that Hanbury made no clear statement on standing with Muslim students.
“He did not reassure us that no one can persecute anyone at NSU for being diverse and culturally different,” Idriss explained. “I would have liked to see more of an effort to reassure Muslims and anyone from the countries affected [that they] will be protected by NSU.”
Anthony DeNapoli, associate dean of international affairs, said NSU is working with its immigration law firm, Fragomen, to stay updated on policy changes. He said NSU’s attorneys are trying to learn more about specifics day-by-day. In the meantime, he said students who are from the listed countries are not guaranteed reentry if they leave the country.
“It’s unfortunate,” DeNapoli said. “NSU will continue to support our students who are here. And we will see what issues we have to deal with on a case-by-case basis.”
Hanbury explained that he was surprised by the order because there was no prior communication to the university from state or national legislatures about the policy. He said that his main concern is NSU students, and although he wants to see safe and secure borders, he doesn’t want to see it affect those who do not have bad intentions.
Despite the lack of communication between federal officials and universities, NSU’s administration is working with legislatures in Washington D.C. and university associations, such as the National Association of International Colleges and Universities, to further their understanding. As part of this effort, Hanbury signed a document alongside other Florida colleges encouraging safe borders, but saying that universities are a safe harbor for students to gain knowledge and “be the melting pot of cultural and international exchange.”
For those who are affected, Hanbury said to reach out and provide comfort. As long as those affected have legal visas, Hanbury said, “You are safe here.”
“Diversity is one of our core values. I firmly believe that diversity gives you strength because it helps all of us understand that to live and to learn we need to respect people,” he said. “Not because of their race, religion or cultural background. It’s to respect people for the knowledge and the character they have.”
DeNapoli sent out an email to international students last week and plans to post updates on the international affairs website. He said it’s important for students to know they have a home here at NSU and the community will support them in any way.
“We look at students equally. We don’t separate students by religion, sexual orientation or gender,” he said. “We welcome every student here and will continue to do so.”
Idriss, a practicing Muslim, said that it’s logically impossible to meet an extremist and that people have even less a chance of meeting a terrorist.
“Being Muslim is not simply following a religion. For most, it is a guideline of how to live and is a pathway of self-discipline and love,” he said. “It is a way you formulate decisions and a way you carry yourself.”
According to the FBI, 94 percent of all terrorist attacks in the U.S. from 1980 to 2005 were by non-Muslims. NPR reported there have only been seven foreign-led terrorist attacks since Sept. 11, 2001, none of which included people from the seven banned countries, and many of them including people born or naturalized in the U.S.
Idriss explained that being part of a diverse university means exchanging cultural ideas, which is part of being able to mature and gain cultural knowledge. He said this helps people to understand cultural differences and makes people understand that one religion isn’t the right religion and all people have the right to express their theologies.
“When you have knowledge, you hopefully avoid wars and bloodshed. When you have knowledge, you have understanding,” he said. “We should learn from history. In a democratic society, we have a right to worship without imposing our religious beliefs onto anybody.”
Although Hanbury believes immigration policies need to be in place, he said the new policy became more political than logical.
“This country has always had a policy of trying to be a safe harbor for individuals who are being persecuted,” he said. “When logic is avoided it creates this political deadlock we’ve experienced.”
Idriss said he hopes that NSU continues supporting all of its students indiscriminately and makes sure that the community doesn’t get attacked by bigotry and hate.
“It is important in times like these to find a common place for love and compassion for each other,” Idriss said. “Having respect for one another is the first step in that direction.”
NSU will provide updates on the immigration policy as administration learns more. For those who may be struggling with the policy, visit Henderson Student Counseling’s website. For more information, contact DeNapoli at 954-262-7240 or visit nova.edu/international affairs.
