On February 19, SHG partner Matthew I. Hirsch participated in a forum for international faculty at Bryn Mawr College. In view of recent policy changes and actions coming from the Trump White House, international faculty at Bryn Mawr and across the U.S. have concerns about applying for non-immigrant visas, processing of applications for permanent residence, the situation at Embassies and Consulates abroad, changes at the border and how the Administration’s pronouncements on research focusing on climate, gender, race, inclusion and diversity, disadvantaged communities and other disfavored topics could impact their work and their immigration status.
In view of the Administration’s hostility towards immigration and immigrants, Know Your Rights (KYR) has become critical for non-citizens, including academics at colleges and universities. Says attorney Hirsch, “We are still in the first months of the Trump Administration but already scholars are anxious about how their scholarly research in areas that are disfavored by the White Houses could expose them to immigration difficulties.”
With reports of lawful permanent residents, international students and others being targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement for words and actions considered inimical to U.S. policy and interests, it is essential that affected populations be on their guard, be vigilant and know their rights so that, if they or someone they know is challenged by immigration officials, they are as prepared as possible to respond. The academic community is right to be concerned about how this Administration is using its executive power and controls over federal funding to limit speech and coerce behavior. Leaders in the immigration law community are doing their utmost to ensure that the Administration follows the law and zealous advocates from coast to coast are using, and will continue to use the Courts to rein in the Administration’s worst impulses.
For additional information on what international faculty need to know about protecting themselves against government overreaching, contact us at info@shglawpa.com.
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