Loyola University Chicago

International Student and Scholar Services

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Regarding the Presidential Executive Order

Loyola University Chicago continues to monitor the evolving situation regarding the revised March 6, 2017 Executive Order and its impact on our community members.

UPDATE: On September 24, 2017, a Proclamation designating individuals from eight countries for partial or full restrictions on travel and entry to the United States was issued by the President of the United States. The eight countries identified in the Proclamation include Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen, and Somalia, and travel/entry restrictions for individuals are country-specific. Please click here for more information and updates on the Proclamation.

UPDATE: On June 26, 2017, the Supreme Court of the United States announced that it will allow partial implementation (i.e. overturn/stay the preliminary district court injunctions) of the March 6, 2017 Executive Order, which intended to limit entry to the United States for individuals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. However, an important exception contained in the decision states that the Executive Order, "May not be enforced against foreign nationals who have a credible claim of a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States." The Court proceeded to cite students who have been admitted to a U.S. university (e.g. Loyola University Chicago) as a specific example of having a, "[bona fide] relationship with an American entity." Although most students and scholars should therefore continue to be exempt from the 90-day entry ban detailed in the March 6, 2017 Executive Order, interpretations on visa issuance abroad and travel to the United States may vary in the weeks and months ahead (at least until the Court is able to hear the case in full, as is expected to occur in October 2017). International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) continues to encourage any potentially impacted students or scholars to contact the office with questions or concerns, as outlined below.

UPDATE: On March 15, 2017, the U.S. District Court in Hawai'i issued a nationwide temporary restraining order, preventing the United States Government from enforcing the 90-day entry ban detailed in the March 6, 2017 Executive Order that had been scheduled to go into effect on March 16, 2017. Caution with regard to travel plans to and from the United States in particular is still advised. Please contact International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) to consult with an ISSS Advisor if you have any questions or concerns.

Highlights of the revised Executive Order issued on March 6, 2017:

  • Scheduled to take effect on March 16, 2017
  • There will be a 90-day ban on issuing new visas and on entry to the United States for nationals and citizens from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen
  • Iraq has been removed from the list of nations identified in the revised Executive Order, although Iraqi visa holders and applicants will likely be subject to additional review
  • The 90-day ban does not apply to nationals and citizens of the six identified countries who are:
    • United States permanent residents (green card holders)
    • In possession of a valid United States visa as of March 16, 2017
    • Physically in the United States on or before March 16, 2017
    • Dual nationals who are traveling on a passport issued by a non-designated country (e.g. dual citizen of Libya and Morocco, traveling to the United States with a valid visa in her/his Moroccan passport)

The revised Executive Order may be problematic for new students wishing to study in the United States, and for new faculty and staff hires from the six countries identified, particularly if the entry ban is extended beyond the initial 90-day period. We encourage any potentially impacted students, scholars, faculty, and staff to consult with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) Advisors if questions or concerns arise: 773-508-3899 / iss@luc.edu.

ISSS continues to closely monitor any issues that may impact our international student and scholar populations. We urge caution in seeking credible information on the internet or through social media. Additional information and guidance pertaining to this Executive Order can be found below:

Loyola University Chicago also provides an array of support services. The following offices are available to assist or refer you:

Please know that there are also off-campus resources available if you or a member of your family would like to speak with someone. The Office for International Programs will be happy to share those with you as well.

We understand that these recent developments continue to be confusing and unsettling. Loyola University Chicago is committed to being a welcoming, just, and inclusive community. We value the diversity that our international students bring to this community, and are focused on ensuring that those within our community are protected and supported. Read the community message on our commitment to diversity from Loyola University Chicago President, Dr. Jo Ann Rooney, JD, LLM, EdD, here.

Please don't hesitate to contact ISSS staff for any assistance or support you may need. We can be reached at 773-508-3899 / iss@luc.edu.