Trump Administration Prepares to Revive and Expand Travel Bans
As shared in previous posts, we have been monitoring the incoming administration for potential travel bans. We have been expecting something beyond was enacted in 2017. We are now beginning to get some reporting on how the new travel bans are beginning to take shape. Please keep in mind that while nothing official has been released, we are seeing reporting on a three-tier ban: Red, Orange, and Yellow. When we finally get the orders, our team will share the details and our analysis.
Red – Previously banned countries; Syria, Sudan, N. Korea, Iran, Somalia, Cuba, Yemen, Libya, and Venezuela
Government officials have said Pakistan may end up in the “red” list or “orange” list depending on government considerations.
Orange - According to the New York Times, these countries would be made of nationals who would not be completely barred from entering the United States, but whose entry could be reduced and/or subject to enhanced vetting. For example, only certain types of visas might be issued for nationals of “orange” countries, and the length of visas could be shortened.
Yellow – These countries would be given 60 days to change some perceived deficiencies or be added to the above “red” or “orange” lists. Such deficiencies include failing to share information about incoming travelers with the U.S. government, inadequate security practices for passport issuance, etc.
Read more on The New York Times >
Additional Articles on the Travel Bans
Education Reform
Many of you saw the news mid-week that the Trump administration fired more than 1,000 employees at the Department of Education. This was anticipated considering how much he talked about abolishing the department during the campaign. To be clear, technically only Congress can abolish the department, but he can dismantle much of the agency. Yesterday’s move was the first step. This article does a good job of outlining the impacts and possible next steps.
Trump wants to use the department to crack down on schools and colleges with D.E.I. efforts he opposes. He also says parents and local governments should fully control education policy. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s allies have slashed the education research budget and moved to replace some human labor with artificial intelligence. Combined with earlier layoffs, the latest cuts will leave the agency with about half the staff it had before Inauguration Day.
Important Note - Only about 10 percent of funding for public education flows through Washington. It’s mostly directed toward low-income and disabled students. Trump can’t withhold that money. The government distributes it according to formulas set by Congress.
Learn more on The Daily from The New York Times >
7 Ways to Support Noncitizen Students and Employees
There has been a lot in the news this week about the arrest of a pro-Palestinian protester at Columbia University, leaving many wondering what is coming next from the Trump administration. While that news is incredibly concerning, there is work being done to support international and undocumented students. The Presidents’ Alliance held a webinar recently offering suggestions for students and campuses during this time.
The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration convened a webinar on March 5 to clarify the new executive orders and how they apply to higher education. Within the conversation, researchers provided some strategies and insights for practitioners on how to navigate the complex new landscape for student success.
Get the full story on Inside Higher Ed >
Additional News Stories
Education Department Warns 60 Colleges Facing Antisemitism Investigations
The department said in a news release Monday that the letter from the Office for Civil Rights went to colleges already under investigation for alleged violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 related to antisemitic harassment and discrimination. The letter, which was not released publicly, comes after the Trump administration canceled $400 million in grants and contracts to Columbia University, accusing the institution of “continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students.” But that cancellation was through the administration’s antisemitism task force, not the Office for Civil Rights, which has a clear process for investigating complaints.
Read more on Inside Higher Ed >
Trump’s Assault on US Universities: Five Views from the Chainsaw’s Teeth
The administration’s hostile edicts on DEI and science funding are sending shock waves through the US’ world-leading higher education system. Here, we present five takes on what is unfolding.
Learn more on Times Higher Education >
Global Survey Highlights New Phase of Internationalisation: From a “Market Era” to a “Managed Era”
Findings from a survey of university leaders in major Western destinations reflect the strain of the current international student recruiting environment
From macroeconomic pressures to geo-political tensions and anti-immigrant sentiment, universities face a complex set of factors influencing their internationalisation efforts.
