A Sept. 24 presidential proclamation includes new restrictions for entering the United States that will affect citizens of Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, Somalia and Yemen, but a campus official said the changes will not require those from the designated countries to depart the country.
Those pursuing higher education opportunities in the United States will be able to continue to do so, as long as they maintain their current immigration status, said Diana Salazar, director of International Student and Scholars Services (ISSS) at CU Boulder.
“These restrictions do not affect the immigration status of those who are already present in the United States, including international students and scholars,” Salazar said.
Even so, Salazar said, the ISSS understands the new policies are likely creating uncertainty and anxiety for many, and her office wants to ensure the campus’s international community that her office “stands firmly with them.”
“We’ll continue to provide as much information, guidance and support as possible over the coming months, as we determine how these changes and any future ones impact our international students and scholars,” she said.
To keep the campus’s international community well informed of how new federal immigration and travel polices may impact individuals, the ISSS regularly posts news, updates and alerts on its website. The office also encourages international students and scholars needing further guidance to visit ISSS in person.
Provost Russell Moore said, “In times like these, it is important to focus on what we can control. In this case, I want to make it clear, regardless of what occurs at the federal level, our international students and scholars are valued members of the CU Boulder community. They are part of our campus and family, improve our teaching and scholarship, and not only make us who we are, but shape us into better, more thoughtful individuals.
“Every member of my leadership team and I are available to provide any assistance or advice necessary to any affected individual,” Moore added.
