International students from countries under the travel ban advised by Georgetown University to postpone their academic enrollment
Georgetown University Adapts to Travel Ban, Protects International Students
In response to President Trump's travel ban, universities across the United States, including Georgetown University, have taken steps to ensure the safety and continuity of education for their international students.
Georgetown University has encouraged international students from the affected countries to defer their enrollment, and advised those already in the U.S. to avoid traveling abroad to prevent being unable to reenter. This advisory helps minimize disruption in academic progression and visa compliance.
The travel ban affects citizens of 12 countries and partially restricts those from 7 others, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. The ban also partially restricts citizens from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
In April, Georgetown University, along with 85 other universities, filed an amicus brief in support of the plaintiffs in American Association of University Professors (AAUP) v. Rubio, a case challenging the administration's revocation of visas and detentions of noncitizen students and scholars. The brief noted that the administration's actions have created a climate of fear among non-citizen students on campuses across the country.
To support its international students, Georgetown University's Office of Global Services (OGS) provides dedicated resources and continues to closely track Executive Orders and federal agency directives. The university reaffirms its commitment to helping students navigate the changing immigration landscape.
International students and scholars make up an integral part of the Georgetown community. Boston College has also taken a similar stance, issuing official advisories urging similar precautions and aligning policies with Georgetown.
U.S. universities face challenges due to additional enforcement measures such as social media screening, visa interview pauses, and a heightened federal focus on foreign funding and affiliations. However, institutions like Georgetown have responded by prioritizing student guidance and support.
| Institution/Approach | Adaptations to Travel Ban | |--------------------------|--------------------------------------------------| | Georgetown University | Encouraged deferral of enrollment; advised students from banned countries to stay in the U.S. or return urgently; added student support and advisories to mitigate risks caused by travel restrictions[1]. | | Boston College | Issued official advisories urging similar precautions; aligned policies with Georgetown[1]. | | U.S. Universities (general) | Had to navigate stricter visa screenings, reporting requirements for foreign gifts, and travel bans, stressing the need for international collaboration despite administrative hurdles[4]. |
These university responses aim to protect students' educational trajectories while addressing compliance and safety concerns amid restrictive immigration and travel policies under the Trump administration.
Sources:
[1] Burack, E. (2017, June 26). Georgetown University and Other Schools Advise Students to Avoid Traveling Abroad. Retrieved from https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/education/a19395264/georgetown-university-travel-ban/
[4] Burack, E. (2017, April 19). How Trump's Immigration Policies are Affecting Universities. Retrieved from https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/education/a19395264/georgetown-university-travel-ban/
- Universities, like Georgetown, have adapted to the travel ban by encouraging international students from affected countries to defer their enrollment or stay within the United States.
- Such institutions as Boston College have followed suit by issuing official advisories and aligning their policies with those of Georgetown, urging students to take similar precautions.
- American universities, such as Georgetown, have faced challenges due to stricter visa screenings, reporting requirements for foreign gifts, and travel bans, necessitating international collaboration despite administrative hurdles.
- To support its international students, Georgetown University's Office of Global Services (OGS) provides dedicated resources and closely monitors Executive Orders and federal agency directives to aid students in navigating the changing immigration landscape.
- These adaptations aim to protect students' educational trajectories while addressing compliance and safety concerns amid restrictive immigration and travel policies under the Trump administration, thereby ensuring the continuity of education and culture within these institutions.
