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President Trump Signs New Executive Order

"Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Nonimmigrants of Certain Students and Researchers from the People’s Republic of China"

On May 29, 2020, President Trump signed a new Executive Order titled, “Proclamation on the Suspension of Entry as Nonimmigrants of Certain Students and Researchers from the People’s Republic of China.” The language in the President’s new Executive Order states that he is suspending entry of Chinese citizens into the U.S. pursuant to F or J visas for students and scholars who are seeking to study or conduct research at the graduate level, only if the individual either currently or in the past: receives funding from; is employed by; studies at; or conducts research for an entity in China that implements or supports the People’s Republic of China’s “military-civil fusion” strategy. The Proclamation will become effective June 1, 2020, at 12:00 PMEDT and will remain in effect until terminated by the President.

You can find the Executive Order here.

ISSS and the University of Utah are aware of this action, and we are monitoring it closely. There are still many details of this new Executive Order that are not clear at this time, and we expect that further guidance will be given throughout the weeks to come. ISSS will continue to keep you updated, both through email correspondence, and on our website.

However, we do have some additional information that we would like to provide to you to offer some clarity, and, perhaps, alleviate some of your concerns:

  • This proclamation does NOT apply to undergraduate students.
  • It does NOT apply to individuals who are studying or conducting research in a field that is not related to the PRC’s military fusion strategy.
  • It does NOT impact those already present in the U.S.- instead, it is intended to target new individuals seeking entry to the United States. However, there is a provision that will allow for the Secretary of State to consider individuals already in the U.S. who might meet this criteria. Therefore, it is possible that this may impact individuals currently in the U.S. in the future.
  • It will NOT impact immigration filing for Chinese nationals with USCIS in the U.S. at this time. This includes filings for OPT, Change of Status, H-1B, Legal Permanent Resident status, and more.

We are still unsure which specific fields of study will be included in the Proclamation as being related to the PRC’s military fusion strategy. Once we have additional information about the fields of study that may be impacted, we will certainly continue to update you with this new information. Please note from the information above that this Proclamation is not intended to impact any of you presently in the United States, and is instead intended to target new individuals who will be seeking a visa and entry into the U.S. However, please remember that this information is subject to change, based on further guidance from the Secretary of State and the United States Department of State.

Please be assured that we are aware that this Proclamation may be particularly concerning to you, especially as civil unrest continues in the United States. We understand your concern that this Proclamation may further fan the flames of racism and racist actions. Racism and racist statements do not have a place at the University of Utah, and will not be tolerated. We echo the words from our Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Daniel Reed: “Equity, diversity, and inclusion are defining elements of our shared humanity and our values, expressed by our daily actions, large and small, individually and collectively, in the climate and culture that we create. We are committed to making this world and the institution an even more welcoming and inclusive place.”

 

Our hearts go out to all those we are impacted daily by actions that promote exclusion and further divide, particularly those who are experiencing grief and suffering as a result of current events in the United States as well as across the world. ISSS and the University of Utah will continue to support all of our international students, scholars, faculty, and staff, regardless of nationality or race. We are one family, and we are here to comfort, protect, and support our own members as well as our communities. If you have not already, please read Dr. Ruth Watkin’s statement on the University of Utah’s commitment to a compassionate, equitable, and just society.

 ISSS, The University Counseling Center, Student Health Center, and Center for Student Wellness are here for you. If you are experiencing grief, dismay, concern, or would like to connect with other people to express your thoughts and ideas, please do not hesitate to reach out to us in ISSS, or one of our campus partners.  

The University Counseling Center: schedule an appointment by calling +1 801-581-6826

Student Health Center: Please call in advance to schedule an appointment by calling +1 801-581-6431

Center for Student Wellness: Information about virtual support and emergency resources can be found here.

ISSS and The University of Utah remain strongly committed to #WashTheHate campaign. The #WashTheHate campaign’s mission is to promote solidarity across all communities as we battle a common enemy in the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Last Updated: 3/22/23