Caltech Reacts to President Trump’s Immigration Order

Caltech is taking steps to assure students, faculty members and staff affected by President Donald Trump’s Friday executive order restricting immigration from seven Muslim countries, suspending all refugee admission for 120 days, and banning all Syrian refugees for an unknown period of time.

Caltech’s Presidential Chair Thomas F. Rosenbaum published a letter addressed to the Caltech community, saying that Caltech “remains fully dedicated to supporting every individual in our community, regardless of country of origin.”

“Friday’s executive order limiting immigration and entry to the United States has heightened anxieties for members of our community on campus and at JPL,” Rosenbaum wrote. “This order immediately impacts the personal and professional travel of a subset of students, postdocs, faculty, and staff from abroad and elevates uncertainties for the next few months and likely beyond.”

Rosenbaum said Caltech will honor “all financial commitments and help those in need obtain legal advice and other support services.”

He also announced Caltech officials will lead a meeting Tuesday, January 31, for students, postdocs, faculty and staff from the seven countries cited in Trump’s executive order.

Ilana Smith, Director for International Office at Caltech and JPL International Scholar Services, and Cindy Weinstein, Vice Provost, have been assigned to lead Tuesday’s meeting, to be held at 4 p.m. on the second floor of the Center for Student Services. Rosenbaum said another meeting will be scheduled soon for individuals from other countries.

Rosenbaum also advised the affected individuals to get in touch with either Smith or Weinstein for any concerns or about the Trump executive order.

“We are all committed to welcoming and supporting the most talented scholars from around the world; and we will work together to ensure that Caltech’s future fully represents these ideals,” Rosenbaum concluded.