Below is a statement by our Board of Directors regarding two recent federal policy roll-outs.
In recent weeks, several new federal policy roll outs have impacted people all over the nation and state, including our fellow Minnesota State university students.
On January 31st, Executive Order 13769—often known as the “travel ban”—was expanded via Presidential Proclamation to add six new countries including Nigeria, Myanmar, Tanzania, Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, and Sudan. Much like the first iteration of this policy, our student body experienced the shock waves. From restrictions on themselves and/or their families, to the feelings of not belonging or being wanted, to concern for their neighbors and friends.
Additionally, beginning February 24th of 2020, the Public Charge Rule went into effect. The Public Charge rule allows the federal government to deny visas and permanent residency to non-citizens who are deemed “more likely than not” to use certain public benefits and assistance. These include public programs such as housing and food assistance. Citizens and non-citizens alike are concerned for the needs of our fellow students who increasingly experience financial instability as part of their university experience.
Keeping students out of our institutions or making their ability to graduate difficult creates an exclusive and hostile environment that impacts enrollment, the success of our universities, and the economy of the state and country. By keeping out entire populations of prospective international students and by disincentivizing or barring access to basic needs, we are not only harming our current students, we’re harming the future of our community.
Students United continues our fight towards inclusive, affordable, and accessible universities that meet the needs of our state. We believe these policies harm our efforts and are against our mission, vision, and values.
More information about these policies can be found here:
Travel Restrictions:
Public Charge:
https://www.uscis.gov/greencard/public-charge
Please reach out to university administrators if you have questions about how these policies may impact you.
Signed,
Students United Board of Directors