About/Background

What changed about U.S. immigration policy and practices on Jan. 27, 2017?

President Trump signed an executive order that suspends for 90 days entry visas for citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

On March 15, 2017, a federal appellate court upheld a temporary restraining order effectively freezing the travel ban. Essentially, the court’s action restored U.S. immigration practices to those in place prior to the March 6 executive order. However, on June 26, 2017 the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling reinstating large portions of the executive order, including the ban on visa entry issuance to individuals from Iran, Yemen, Sudan, Syria, Somalia and Syria. Those with “a credible claim of a bona fide relationship with a person or entity” in the U.S. continue to be protected and not subject to the ban.

On June 26, 2018, the US Supreme Court issued a final ruling.
It announced a 5-4 decision in Trump v. Hawaii to uphold the restrictions set in place by Executive Order 13780, but the court also sent the case back to the lower courts “for such further proceedings as may be appropriate.” The majority opinion stated that the Proclamation is “squarely within the scope of Presidential authority under the INA (Immigration and Nationality Act).” The court had previously allowed the travel ban to go into effect while the justices deliberated on Trump v. Hawaii, and this decision means it will remain indefinitely.

What is the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s position on this situation?

Our international students, faculty, staff, postdocs and visiting scholars are highly valued members of our community who have already been thoroughly vetted through the visa and immigration process. We embrace and celebrate their contributions to our university.

This action is of grave concern to our university. Our campus and University of Illinois System leadership are joining with higher education leaders throughout the U.S. to communicate those concerns to the new federal administration.

It is important to note that this is a continually developing and uncertain situation, and implementation is being shaped by varying interpretations by immigration officials, subsequent statements by the Trump Administration and legal action.

Some answers to frequently asked questions on this issue: FAQ – Immigration Rules Changes.
You can find more information about the original Executive Order and subsequent court actions on the Office of the Provost website: Supporting Our University Community.

Has the university made any public statements on the situation?

Yes, Chancellor Robert Jones and Interim Provost Ed Feser have released several statements about our support for international members of the university community.

The first was issued Dec. 13, 2016.
Chancellor Jones and Provost Feser also issued a massmail on Jan. 30, 2017.
The University of Illinois System issued a statement on Jan. 30, 2017.
The University of Illinois System issued another statement on Sept. 5, 2017.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign also issued a statement on Sept. 5, 2017.