UC Officials Respond to Presidential Executive Order

On Friday, Jan. 27, President Donald Trump signed an executive order restricting immigration from seven primarily Muslim countries. As a result, many students, visitors and legal permanent United States residents with green cards were stopped at airports nationally and abroad and blocked from entering the United States.

“At this time, we are not aware of any UC Merced students, faculty or staff who have been detained or had their travel affected by this ban," Chancellor Dorothy Leland wrote in a message to the campus. "However, anyone from these countries or with family and friends living there — including a number of our graduate students — are certainly feeling the impact of this, and we will support them in any way we can. I want to assure you that our campus and the UC system as a whole remain singularly committed to ensuring the safety, security and well being of every member of our community."

Currently, the situation remains fluid and may affect researchers and students, especially those whose place of origin is one of the seven countries listed in the executive order. Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development Sam Traina offered the following advice to those who may be affected:

“International students, graduate students and postdocs need to think carefully before they embark on any personal or non-personal travel,” Traina said. “They probably should not leave this country unless they have a green card.”

Those who hold a green card and must travel should obtain a letter from the university that states they are currently enrolled and plan to return to the United States in order to complete their degree. Traina also reminds faculty members who are working with colleagues from any of the countries listed in the executive order that their work could be affected.

UC Merced's Academic Senate also weighed in on the issue with a message sent to faculty from Senate Chair Susan Amussen and Academic Senate Office Executive Director Laura Martin: "The University of California, Merced, is an international institution deeply rooted in collaborative relationships with scholars, students, and institutions around the world. Our campus is a testament to the positive power of tolerance, diversity, openness, and engagement. This executive order threatens not just individuals, but also the foundations of UC Merced’s excellence in public education and research." 

Counseling center staff members are prepared to facilitate individual interventions for students in emotional crisis and for groups of students who request that support. Students can contact Counseling and Psychological Services 24 hours a day at 209-228-4266 to speak with a counselor over the phone. Employees can access services through Insight, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 800-422-5322, or email: insighteap@insighteap.com. Additional resources are available through the CARE Office (209-228-4147) or the UC Merced Police Department (209-228-2677).

Statements Issued to Campus, UC Communities 

The following is UC Merced Chancellor Dorothy Leland's message to the campus community in its entirety:

“By now you are likely aware of the recent executive order restricting entry into the United States for individuals from Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. While the situation remains fluid and much is unclear, news reports indicate that individuals with immigrant and non-immigrant visas and those with green cards who are originally from these countries are being denied entry into the United States.

“At this time, we are not aware of any UC Merced students, faculty or staff who have been detained or had their travel affected by this ban. However, anyone from these countries or with family and friends living there — including a number of our graduate students — are certainly feeling the impact of this, and we will support them in any way we can. I want to assure you that our campus and the UC system as a whole remain singularly committed to ensuring the safety, security and well being of every member of our community.

“The University of California system continues to analyze the executive order and its impact on our students, faculty, scholars, employees, and other community members. At this time, it is recommended that UC community members from these seven countries who hold a visa to enter the United States or who are lawful permanent residents do not travel outside of the United States.

“The UC system, as well as our campus, will continue to monitor and analyze the impact of this and other actions and will issue additional guidance as soon as possible. Until then, if you are a visa holder or green card holder from one of these countries that is currently abroad, or you have any questions, please contact our International Studies Office.”

Below is a statement from UC President Janet Napolitano on behalf of the UC system and its 10 chancellors:

“We are deeply concerned by the recent executive order that restricts the ability of our students, faculty, staff, and other members of the UC community from certain countries from being able to enter or return to the United States.

“While ensuring the security of the nation's visa system is critical, this executive order is contrary to the values of the United States and the values of the University of California. The UC community, like universities across the country, have long been deeply enriched by students, faculty, and scholars from across the world, including the affected countries, coming to study, teach, and research. It is critical that the United States continue to welcome the best students, scholars, scientists, and engineers from across the world.

“We are committed to supporting all members of the UC community who are impacted by this executive action.”