Supporting our International Community

Dear University of New Haven Community Members,

As you know, President Trump signed an Executive Order on Friday that blocked citizens and refugees from the countries of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen from entering the United States for 90 days. The order also suspended all refugee admissions for 120 days.

I am writing today to offer my unwavering support for any members of our campus community who may be experiencing anxiety following this action. I also join the scores of college and university presidents, students, faculty, and staff across the country in expressing our appreciation and gratitude to the students representing cultures and countries from around the globe who have long enriched our communities, our classrooms, and our view of the world. National security is of the utmost importance, but as an institution of higher learning we must be resolute and unwavering in our belief that this goal can be achieved while fostering diversity and maintaining respect for the values of tolerance and inclusion.

Please know that, in accordance with the Federal Family Education and Rights of Privacy Act (FERPA), we cannot and will not voluntarily share private information about any of our students unless we are specifically required to do so because of a duly issued warrant or subpoena. While we cannot prohibit representatives of federal agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement or Customs and Border Protection from entering our open campus, I can assure you that it is not the responsibility or the role of the University of New Haven Police Department to conduct federal immigration enforcement.

Our International Services Office is reaching out directly to anyone who we feel might be directly impacted. Additionally, the Myatt Center for Diversity and Inclusion is available to provide guidance and foster productive exchanges of ideas during this time of uncertainty. Students who have questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the Dean of Students’ Office. Faculty members with questions or concerns should reach out to the Provost’s Office.

Students from the seven countries listed in the Executive Order should be aware that the National Association for Foreign Student Advisers has recommended that they should not travel outside the United States. Faculty members from the listed countries have also been advised not to travel outside the U.S. The Executive Order does not affect naturalized United States citizens from the seven named countries; and individuals from the identified nations who hold green cards will be allowed to return to the United States. Still, it is recommended that lawful permanent residents from the countries on the travel ban list should exercise caution if travel outside of the U.S. is necessary.

You may remember that in November I joined more than 600 college and university presidents from across the country in signing an open letter urging the preservation of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, the Federal law which allows undocumented children to be educated in U.S. schools through college. I was proud to join so many in endorsing this initiative, and I will continue to do all that I can to ensure the safety of all of our students. Protecting the wellbeing of all of our students is – and always will be – my chief priority.

I will again reinforce the message I shared in the days following the presidential election. We have a responsibility as educated and inquisitive individuals to ensure that we engage in civil discourse and respectful dialogue with an open mind and an open heart. As an individual who spent almost fourteen years living and studying in another country, and as someone whose grandparents came to this country fleeing persecution and seeking and finding a better life, I want to reaffirm my personal commitment to each and every one of our international students. They enrich our campus in immeasurable ways!

We will continue to monitor policy changes and the resulting discussion as it unfolds in the coming days and weeks and will keep you apprised of important developments. Thank you in advance for renewing your long-standing commitment to cultivating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of our campus community.

With best wishes,

Steven Kaplan
President