Marshall University has released a statement on Saturday addressing President Trump's executive order. On Friday, President Trump signed a ban on travel to and from seven Muslim-majority countries. According to the New York Times, Trump's executive order was part of an extreme vetting plan to keep "radical Islamic terrorists" outside the nation. He has also ordered that Christians and others from minority religions be prioritized over Muslims.
Trump's executive order suspends the entry of refugees into the U.S. for 120 days. It also directs officials to conduct additional screening to make sure that refugees approved for admission do not threaten the security and welfare of the country.
The order also bars admission of refugees from Syria for an indefinite amount of time. It also stops entry into the United States for 90 days from countries such as Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen.
WSAZ reported that Marshall University President Jerome A. Gilbert confirmed that they are reviewing how the executive order of President Donald Trump will affect its student community. They are also checking how many students they have from the banned countries.
Gilbert also noted that they will do everything possible to assist and retain all of their international students. Marshall University has over 550 international students from 56 countries.
Metro News added that West Virginia University and Marshall University are advising all international students to carry documentation verifying their legal status in the U.S. at all times. They are also advised to follow the rules and regulations with regard to their immigration status.
WVU has more than 65 students from Iran, 27 students from Libya, 13 from Syria, 13 from Iraq, four from Yemen and one from Sudan. A federal court in Brooklyn granted an emergency stay on Saturday.
In a report by Reuters, it was revealed that U.S. judges in at least five states have blocked federal authorities from implementing President Trump's executive order. However, some authorities were not willing to follow the judges' rulings.
