UCLA International Institute statement on the Executive Order of January 27, 2017 that barred entry to the United States to refugees from Syria and visitors from seven Muslim-majority nations.

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February 1, 2017

The UCLA International Institute is committed to our public mission of education and scholarship about our diverse and interconnected world.

We, the leadership of the International Institute, are deeply concerned by President Trump’s Executive Order (EO), issued January 27, 2017, that restricts visa issuance and entry to the United States for nationals of seven Muslim-majority countries.

The EO directly challenges the promotion of international research and academic exchanges, which are vital to the intellectual vibrancy of U.S. universities, long held to be the world’s leaders in higher education. Such exchanges have greatly enriched our faculty, students, staff and communities. Scholars and students from abroad are among the top talents in this country — individuals who have contributed to advancing science, the humanities, arts, social sciences and above all, a global perspective that is essential for the United States to remain competitive in the world.

The International Institute has long welcomed faculty, scholars, students and staff who have joined our community from all over the world, including the affected seven countries. We are committed to helping those among us impacted by the EO. Toward that end, this article on our website includes useful documents and resources and will be updated as we receive new information.

For the United States to remain a global leader in education, innovation and research, it is critical that we welcome and learn from scholars and students of all nationalities. Moreover, for our students to become effective leaders and productive citizens, it is critical that they have an informed understanding of our world and of global issues. The EO prevents the open exchange of knowledge and seriously undermines the core values not only of our universities, but also of our democracy. We urge the White House to renounce this policy immediately and refrain from instituting any future such initiatives.

Sincerely,

Cindy Fan
Vice Provost for International Studies and Global Engagement
Professor, Department of Geography
Professor, Department of Asian American Studies

Chris Erickson
Senior Associate Vice Provost and Director, UCLA International Institute
Professor, Anderson School of Management

Gail Kligman
Associate Vice Provost, UCLA International Institute
Distinguished Professor, Department of Sociology

Published: Wednesday, February 1, 2017