By Anis Shakirah Mohd Muslimin, The Daily Iowan
President Trump’s executive order calling for “extreme vetting” of certain foreign nationals from entering the United States prompted mixed reactions from numerous divisions of the country, as experts, school officials, and students ponder the move.
The order, which bans entry for nationals from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen for at least 90 days, is to “prevent terrorist or criminal infiltration by foreign nationals,” according to the Department of Homeland Security.
On the heels of Trump’s decision, University of Iowa Associate Provost Downing Thomas, who is also the dean of International Programs, issued a statement over the weekend to the UI community: “… The UI has long recognized that a diverse and inclusive community is the foundation of a strong education,” he said. “Each of you, regardless of your background or country of origin, is welcome in our community. You bring perspectives and experiences that, taken together, enrich the educational experience and prepare UI students to thrive in their lives and careers.”
Some UI students, such as Ali, an Iraqi graduate student who feared being identified by his full name could endanger his life, was disappointed by Trump’s decision.
“Now we cannot invite our family to attend our commencement, we can’t invite our relatives to the States, we can’t go back for vacation,” he said. “You feel scared and targeted because you did nothing wrong.”