Executive Order Suspending Entry into the U.S. of Individuals from Seven Countries
February 2, 2017
Dear Loyola Community,
Earlier this week, Loyola President Jo Ann Rooney, JD, LLM, EdD, issued a community message representing the University’s commitment to welcome all individuals, regardless of faith tradition, national origin, or immigration status, as a response to President Donald Trump’s Executive Order issued on Friday, January 27. This Executive Order suspends entry into the United States for immigrants and nonimmigrants from seven countries—Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen—for the next 90 days.
Although the language of the Executive Order is not completely clear, “immigrant and nonimmigrant” is being generally interpreted to include those with valid, temporary visas (e.g. B-1, H-1B, L-1, and F-1). The situation for permanent residents, dual citizens, and others who may have traveled to these seven countries carries even greater uncertainty.
The Office for International Programs is advising immigrant and nonimmigrant students, faculty, and staff from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen to refrain from traveling outside the United States during this 90-day period. Even after this 90-day period is complete, we are not certain how the visa or port of entry requirements will change.
In addition, please be aware that general delays in visa processing may become a reality in the immediate future. Looking ahead, visa issuance and entry into the United States may become more difficult, depending on the studies and reports directed in the Executive Order.
Our primary concern is for the safety and security of the Loyola University Chicago community. The Office for International Programs has communicated with all current international students and scholars. We have also been in contact with each student and scholar from the identified countries who are here and are directly or indirectly affected by the Executive Order.
To the extent that it is possible, if a current Loyola student, faculty, or staff member is barred from returning to the United States but able to go to Italy, the academic community at the John Felice Rome Center is prepared to welcome directly impacted Loyolans and provide them with short-term housing, online access to University services, and general assistance.
As this situation is dynamic, faculty and staff, please do not offer students direct advice or guidance about travel and immigration issues beyond this travel advisory. The Office for International Programs will continue to communicate with those directly impacted.
The following campus resources are available to provide additional support.
Lake Shore and Water Tower campuses
- Office for International Programs - International Students & Scholars
- Wellness Center
- Student Diversity and Multicultural Affairs
- Campus Ministry - Spiritual Life
Health Sciences Campus
If you have a specific issue or question related to the Executive Order, please consult the Office for International Programs at 773.508.3899 or iss@luc.edu. We will share updated information as it is available. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have additional questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
|
John P. Pelissero, PhD |
Margaret Faut Callahan, CRNA, PhD, FNAP, FAAN |
Patrick M. Boyle, PhD |