Local Officials, Senators React To Presidential Immigration Executive Order

Florida State University is deeply concerned about the administration’s new policy preventing the entry of citizens of seven foreign countries to the United States for the next 90 days. At universities nationwide, confusion and uncertainty are causing disruption and worry among students, researchers, faculty and staff who are citizens of the countries involved in the ban, as well as their colleagues and friends. While we are rapidly reviewing the information we have been able to obtain regarding the legalities and ramifications of the executive order, we are advising international members of our FSU community who are from the affected countries not to make any plans to leave the United States. As more specific information becomes available, we will continue to communicate closely with them and the campus at large. We all know that our university has long been enriched and strengthened by the cultural and intellectual diversity these scholars contribute. In the classroom, the laboratory, institutes, centers and colleges, they are conducting vitally important work that adds to the body of knowledge while broadening the educational experience for all FSU students. We appreciate them, and their safety and security will be our highest priority.

“We have to do everything we can to protect ourselves from those who want to do us harm, but a hastily-issued policy that bans everyone from one of these seven countries from entering the U.S. – including the Iraqi interpreters who served alongside our troops in Iraq – is not the answer.”

After reviewing the recent Executive Orders, it is clear to us that some of what is being said and reported about the scope and implications of these measures is misleading. However, it is also clear that the manner in which these measures were crafted and implemented have greatly contributed to the confusion, anxiety and uncertainty of the last few days. We generally support additional vetting for many of those entering our country from nations where the United States has identified there are serious concerns regarding terrorist activities and planning. But given the broad scope and nature of these policy changes, we have some unanswered questions and concerns. We are seeking clarity on the changes to the Visa Waiver program, which is critical to the economies of our respective states. And we are uneasy about the potential impact of these measures on our military and our diplomatic personnel abroad, as well as those who put their lives on the line to work with us. We are both committed to doing what we must to keep America safe. We are equally committed to the defense of religious liberty and our tradition of providing refuge to those fleeing persecution. Like so many Americans, we are both guided by our belief that when we stand before our Creator to face judgment, He will say that “to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me." That is why we intend to do all we can to both keep America safe, and keep America special.