UW-Milwaukee, Feb. 9: Academics United – No Visa and Immigration Ban: UWM

This rally is being held concurrently at many university campuses across the U.S.

(1) What has happened?

On Friday Jan. 27th 2017, president Donald Trump signed an executive order (EO) that bans the nationals of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States with any type of immigrant or non-immigrant visa. This action is also banning refugees and US permanent residents (green card holders). According to the estimations, around 134 million people are affected by this action [1]. Although the EO is temporary and the visa ban is in place for 90 days, based on a CNN interview with a White House official, we are in a state of uncertainty as this might be the initial step to establish a broader ban.

(2) Who are we?

We are a diverse group of academics attending universities all across the United States. We all have dreams of not only receiving the best education, but also serving the nation that has granted us this valuable opportunity. We have similar views, plans, and ambitions as our neighboring colleagues and we too are looking for a better future in this country that has welcomed us with open arms.

(3) How are we affected by the recent action?

According to the EO, we are banned from entering the US for at least 90 days. If authorities decide to extend the 3 month period, we will not be able to visit our families back home. Many of us are seeing all of our hard work and achievements being reduced to none. We are facing a very heartbreaking dilemma in the midst of this difficult time and are looking to you, our friends and colleagues to stand united.

(4) Who else is looking for a solution to this action?

ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) is challenging the constitutionality of this EO in federal court, and has earned a temporary stay of this action. This development, although very encouraging, is temporary which means more consequential legal battles lie ahead.

NIAC (National Iranian American Council) is actively looking for solutions to this action.

(5) What is the mission of “Academics United – No Visa and Immigration Ban” rallies?

To shine a light on the impact of this action on thousands of honest and ambitious students. The visa ban is displeasing and politics should never be imposes on the academic community.

(6) When and where is the rally?

Thursday, Feb 9th 2017 at 11:00 am.

We appreciate your university’s participation. If any university is planning to join the list, please send a Facebook message to the admins. The following is an up-to-date list of the universities that have already agreed to participate:
– Arizona State University
– Brown University https://www.facebook.com/events/603499069842148/
– Carnegie Mellon University
– Georgia Tech
– Illinois State University
– Iowa State University https://www.facebook.com/events/1230468873732504/
– Johns Hopkins University https://www.facebook.com/events/331588200575358/
– Louisiana State University
– Michigan Technological University
– Northwestern University https://www.facebook.com/events/721171148041095/
– Ohio University https://www.facebook.com/events/1261728170579298/
– Rowan University
– School of the Art Institute of Chicago
– Stanford University
– Southern New Hamshire University
– UC Berkeley
– UC Riverside https://www.facebook.com/events/238635429897037/
– UC Santa Barbara
– UC Davis https://www.facebook.com/events/1252480341472203/
– UC San Diego
– University of Arkansas
– University of Central Florida https://www.facebook.com/events/1099764106819661/
– University of Florida https://www.facebook.com/events/1177531619012660/
– University of Hawaii
– University of Illinois at Chicago
– University of Iowa
– University of Michigan https://www.facebook.com/events/751947388319434/
– University of Nevada Reno
– University of Oklahoma
– University of Pittsburgh
– University of Texas at Arlington
– University of Utah
– University of Washington
– University of Wisconsin Madison
– Virginia Tech
– West Virginia University

[1] http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/27/politics/donald-trump-refugees-executive-order/