CHANCELLOR'S COMMUNIQUE

On Federal Immigration Executive Order, 1-31-2017

Dear faculty, staff and students, 
 
Last week, President Trump signed an executive order that deals with issues of immigration and the ability of non-U.S. citizens to enter the United States. This order includes a ban of at least 90 days on the entryof visitors from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. The order has the potential to significantly impact our university community. 
 
The CU Anschutz community is greatly enriched by, and is committed to, the inclusion of students, faculty, researchers and staff who bring perspective and experience from across the world. Appropriate vetting processes have brought to our campus international students and scholars from all countries and diverse faiths.  We do not believe that the order applies to students or employees currently within the United States on a valid visa, including those from the seven countries specifically noted. They have a lawful presence in the United States, and nothing within the executive orders rescinds their visas. 
 
CU Anschutz currently hosts 400 international scholars and enrolls 100 international students. We will continue to welcome all students and employees from other countries who are legally here with visas. In addition, we have been communicating with those who are, or could potentially be, impacted by the executive orders.
 
In the last several weeks, our Office of International Affairs has held several “information and discussion” sessions for international students and scholars and a local immigration attorney spoke at the sessions and has been available as a resource.  We are advising these individuals to contact the university’s International Student and Scholar Services Office before traveling outside the U.S. in the immediate future and will continue to monitor the situation and update them as possible. We encourage anyone affected by the orders to seek information and counsel from International Student and Scholar Services at 303-315-2230 (press “0”) or ISSS@ucdenver.edu.
 
We will continue to monitor these national discussions and potential changes to immigration laws, policies and practices, and will keep the university community informed of important developments as they unfold. 
 
Don Elliman
Chancellor