On Thursday, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the freeze on President Trump’s Travel Ban.
During the time in which the ban was in effect, travelers from seven middle eastern countries were barred from entering the U.S. Two of those travelers were attempting to return to UW.
Many of the students coming to the University of Wyoming internationally already have many obstacles to face to come here, Jill Johnson from the International Students and Scholars Office said.
“Students from these countries are already some of the most scrutinized and well-vetted students entering the U.S.,” Johnson said. “Wait times while extensive background checks are performed (can) last up to 3-5 months.”
Johnson said these students are important for the university.
“Furthermore, we really value the academic contributions that these students share with their departments and colleges,” Johnson said. Many are top scholars on campus.”
Some members of UW are still concerned about the potential impact of the travel ban going forward.
“The more immediate concern at this point is for those students, currently at UW, who need to leave the US to perform their graduate research,” Johnson said.
Johnson said students may be unable to pursue their research if the decision is overturned, or the ban is reinstated by other means.
“There are a lot of conversations, which will be ongoing, about whether they should leave to do that research,” Johnson said. “It would be devastating if they weren’t able to return to complete their academic programs.”
For some graduate students, international research is a requirement for their degrees.
President Nichols said she feels confident that the University of Wyoming staff will be able to assist any students who may have problems concerning the travel ban. She said she has full faith in faculty and staff to assist any student or faculty.
“The Administration asks students and faculty from those countries to work closely with the International Programs Office.”
The decision was not surprising for one of Wyoming’s legislators.
“The 9th circuit is comprised of a majority of states who voted strongly against Trump, it’s understandable they would be a leader in opposing many of this policies,” Rep. Dan Zwonitzer said.
Regardless of the way in which the ban progresses, Johnson said the university’s response will be the same.
“What UW will do, is continue to support our international community and be as responsive to student concerns as possible,” Johnson said.
President Nichols on the travel ban
