Federal Immigration Policies Offer Little Concern to CSU

The first weeks of our new federal administration have not been without controversy. One of the top issues is President Trump’s January 27th immigration policy executive order, also known as the “Travel Ban.” This policy has been heavily debated because it targets travelers from seven predominantly Muslim countries and prevents them from gaining entry into the United States.

The ban was halted after being challenged in federal courts as unconstitutional, but the government may appeal or release a new version soon.

For Columbus State, this changes nothing. According to an official statement by CSU President Chris Markwood, “The travel ban will have no impact here at CSU.” Currently, CSU doesn’t have any staff or faculty “with permanent residency or employment-related visas.” There is only one student from the seven countries mentioned in President Trump’s executive order, who is “already here on a degree-seeking visa.”

“We have communicated with all of our international students, assuring them they are valued here and asking them to contact the Center for International Education with any concerns or questions,” the official statement continued.

In addition to Markwood’s official release, Becky Becker, Ph.D., and Interim Director of the Center for International Education, voiced her support for Markwood’s statement, saying that the main concern is to provide all students with a “safe, supportive learning opportunity.”

Becker advised to remain calm when approaching this immigration policy and to “be aware of the facts and if you are affected, you don’t want to travel [outside of the United States].” Becker also expressed her concern with the difficulties some may face, saying “This may be a difficult time as this policy may prevent those affected from seeing their families, but our legal system is giving us hope and confidence in the systems that are in place to protect us.”

Becker also expressed her continued support for the study abroad programs, insisting that the immigration policy isn’t likely to affect the programs, but said, “We [CSU] continue to monitor for [other countries’] frustration or signs of retaliation” against Americans abroad.

As of the time of writing, no actions have “caused us to change or disrupt any of our programs.” Most importantly, Becker has full confidence that “the pre-departure program the university has instituted, fully prepares our students for their learning adventure abroad.”

These sentiments are also shared by Alyce Cook, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Spanish and director of the CSU in Mexico study abroad program. “Most people [abroad],” said Cook, “are genuinely welcoming to our students and understand that we may not all share the views of our administration.”