"U" reflects on the consequences of the Supreme Court's travel ban



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University president Mark Schlissel issued a statement on June 26 condemning the Supreme Court's decision to uphold President Donald Trump's travel ban in seven countries, the majority of which is Muslim

. being one of more than 30 American universities to have filed a joint memo of amicus, or a legal document submitted by non-litigants, to the Supreme Court regarding the ban on traveling. Filed in March, 's memoir argues that the ban on travel prevents institutions from recruiting talented international academics

Schlissel also writes that the international university population, composed of students from 128 countries, enriches the institution culturally and academically. "Decreasing the quality and reach of our university community will threaten the aspirations for peace and prosperity that we all share," Schlissel wrote. "We will continue to admit students in a manner consistent with our non-discrimination policy, and to those who have earned their place here, we remain committed to fostering an environment where everything can flourish."

According to Donya Khadem, co-director of the Michigan Association for Immigration and Labor Law the ban on traveling is troubling because international students are a crucial part of the university community for a variety of reasons.

One million international students in the United States attend colleges and universities and they add not only to the intellectual value of our country, but they also add a lot to the economic product of the university, said Khadem. "They pay money to come, so the school is affected not only because it is not able to recruit enough talent when that happens, but also financially."

Khadem also said that international teachers are a valuable asset

Schlissel was one of the first university presidents to respond to the order initial executive, signed by Trump in January 2017, which blocked the travel of seven Muslim-majority countries. . He argued that the University would only disclose immigration status information when federal law would require it and would emphasize the University's commitment to support students regardless of their immigration status.

LSA Senior Yezeñia Sandoval, external director of La Casa, shared with the daily an official statement that she wrote on behalf of La Casa in response to the ban on traveling. In the statement, Sandoval congratulated Schlissel for failing to release immigration status unless it is absolutely necessary, but said that the University can further improve in terms of inclusion [19659002"Whilefirmlybelievingthatmuchremainstobedone-communitiesaffectedbytheactionsofthecurrentfederaladministration-LaCasaisproudofthepublicremarksandPresidentSchlissel'sdecisionnottodisclosethestatusofStudents'immigrationasaresultofthebanontraveling"wroteSandoval"Thepositionofouruniversityisanimportantvictoryforthecommunitiesoncampuswhomustcontinuallyfightfortherightsoftheirfamiliesandfriendsinthemidstofabrokenimmigrationsystemthathasonlymademorediscriminatoryprohibitionsfueledbyhate"Schlissel'slatestresponsetothebantotravelKhadem said that it is important that the university formally address the problems of immigration policy, but it must also take concrete steps

. And I do not think that suffices, and that is what frustrates many law students and people in general who are activists, "said Khadem. "It's another thing to make sure you work with student groups to provide resources."

Khadem said that the University is home to many student activists interested in immigration policy. MILLA is currently collaborating with the Muslim Law Students Association, another organization in which Khadem is involved, to raise awareness of the impact of the travel ban on students and to spark student interest. in law for immigration issues. Khadem has added numerous volunteer law students to the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center held rallies or worked with immigrants in the Dearborn area.

Student organizations have engaged in outreach activities. According to Khadem, MLSA wrote a letter on the day of the ban on travel, and more than 40 student organizations signed. The letter, which is now circulating at the University, denounces the travel ban and sets out the plans of the Law School to counter the decision.

"It is more important than ever to take seriously any opportunity to engage in pro bono and advocacy efforts. support Muslim communities and other immigrants, "reads the letter. "In the coming weeks, MLSA will work hard to find opportunities for the Michigan law community, and a larger academic community, to engage in efforts to dismantle the ban. Office of Student Life, Pro Bono Council and other allied organizations to connect interested students with opportunities and resources. "

Since the decision to ban travel, Khadem and his peers spoke to Dean of the School and Dean of Student Life, stressing the importance of creating a welcoming campus climate for students affected by the ban and reminding administrators of the importance of the campus. the University's commitment not to share immigration status unless the federal law warrants it.It also stated that its student organizations are currently directing their efforts to increase Tolerance.

"I think there is a lot of back and forth right now, even among law school students, about the difference between legal reasoning. the decision and its effects, "said Khadem." Our biggest concern at MILLA and MLSA is the stigma that results because decisions like this one, to some people around the world, will allow them to feel that certain groups are second-class citizens or have problems with faith. "

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