Brandon Addeo | News Editor
Duquesne’s Office of International Programs sent out an email on Jan. 30 to international students affected by President Trump’s recently enacted Executive Order on Immigration, which bars entry of foreign nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries into the United States over the next 90 days.
“Over the weekend, many people from around the world traveling to the U.S. from certain countries were denied entry and sent home,” the email read. “We want to inform all of our international students of how this order affects their individual situations.”
According to Joe DeCrosta, director of the Office of International Programs, there are five enrolled students and one visiting scholar at Duquesne who hail from the seven countries affected by the executive order: Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.
DeCrosta said his office is advising the students on “how they need to remain aware of their immigration status while here at Duquesne.”
The email advised students not to travel outside the U.S. “until further notice,” adding in particular that students should not travel to one of the seven countries affected “as [they] may be prevented from re-entering the U.S. upon return.” It also said that the Office of International Programs will send updates to international students as “information changes daily.”
“We want you to know, as always, that you are welcomed here at Duquesne and that we are always available to help with any questions or concerns related to this situation,” the email read.
Duquesne President Ken Gormley also sent a campus-wide email on Jan. 30, in which he expressed “deep concern” about the executive order.
“As a university founded by priests from distant countries … Duquesne has always embraced diversity and has valued the significant contributions immigrants have made to our society,” Gormley wrote. “Recent actions by the executive branch raise serious questions that go to the heart of Duquesne’s core principles and mission, and prompt me to write this letter.
“We support a reasonable approach to immigration that is not based upon fear or hate, does not discriminate and does not cause harm to individuals, families or employers,” he added.
