Florida News Straight From the Source
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and more than 140 other members of Congress called on the Trump administration to immediately end its “morally reprehensible” policy of charging detained migrant parents who have been separated from their children as much as eight dollars per minute to speak to their child by phone. [Read more…] about U.S. Sen Bill Nelson’s Call to Action
Please find below a statement from Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., regarding the recent executive order affecting foreign travel and immigration.
“Florida A&M University has a strong and vibrant academic and research community, which includes diverse students, staff, and faculty representing various countries. The University remains committed to providing its faculty, staff, and students with a safe, positive, and fruitful working and learning environment regardless of their nation of origin.
As the University works to attain more information about the application and enforcement of the executive order, we encourage all faculty, staff, and students from the seven listed countries – Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen – to refrain from travel to these areas for the next 90 days. We also encourage those planning to travel abroad during this period and thereafter, including spring break excursions, to consult with the FAMU Office of International Education and Development before departing the country.
There are currently approximately 200 international students within our campus community, and we are working to determine how they, as well as international faculty and staff, have been impacted by the executive order.
The FAMU community encourages careful consideration of the effects the executive order will have on the U.S. higher education and research community, as FAMU students, faculty and staff are often involved in ongoing education, research, and service projects in the international arena.
We stand ready to assist in offering solutions to support and strengthen the higher education and research community in light of the recent changes to U.S. foreign travel and immigration policy.”
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) sent a letter today to President Trump to express his concern that the president’s executive order on immigration could undermine our national security.
Below is the full text of Nelson’s letter:
January 30, 2017
President Donald J. Trump
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
I write to express my concern with your recent Executive Order, “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States.” Regardless of the constitutionality or legality of this Executive Order, I am deeply concerned that it may do more harm than good in our fight to keep America safe.
Defeating the diabolical threat of terrorism is imperative to our national security. Our military and intelligence professionals are engaged around the world in the fight against terrorist groups like ISIS. Our success in this fight, both at home and abroad, depends on the cooperation and assistance of Muslims who reject radicalism and violence. Whether intended or not, this Executive Order risks alienating the very people we rely upon in the fight against terror.
Over the weekend, numerous people were detained at U.S. ports of entry, including an Iraqi interpreter who served alongside our troops. When we promise sanctuary to individuals who risk their lives assisting U.S. forces in the fight against terrorism, it is both unfair and counterproductive to turn them away at our shores.
While we must do everything in our power to protect the United States, I am concerned this Executive Order will only undermine our counterterrorism efforts. I urge you to develop policy that keeps America safe, builds trust with our partners, and demonstrates compassion to those who need our help.
Sincerely,
cc: Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly
Secretary of Defense James Mattis
Director of the Central Intelligence Agency Michael Pompeo
Acting Director of National Intelligence Michael Dempsey
