UMD reflects on travel ban

Jocelyn Broth, February 4, 2017

COLLEGE PARK, Md. Last week several University of Maryland students planning to
study abroad changed their plans due to President Trumps immigration ban. Now
students hope that they can continue their overseas education as planned.

On January 27, President Donald Trump signed an order banning refugees from entering
the United States for 120 days and prohibiting the entry of immigrants from seven
countries for three months.

This order has affected about 350 people at the University of Maryland, according to a
statement released by University President Wallace Loh.

Many of the countries affected by the travel ban have a large Muslim population.

Next year I was planning to study abroad in Morocco with many of my peers in my
major, sophomore Jacqueline Stomski said. I am worried that my friends born in
Muslim countries may no longer be able to join me in this experience.

The Department of Homeland Security halted Trumps executive travel ban on Saturday
following a federal ruling from Seattle Judge James Robart, according to CNN.

Now my roommate can go home to visit her family during spring break, senior Natalie
Batchelor said.

Despite the halting of the ban, this decision is temporary.

Im not too excited about it yet, sophomore Ethan Cuttler said. The word that stuck
out to me when hearing about the decision was temporary.

An announcement sent out by President Trump via Twitter early Saturday morning
corroborates Cuttlers concern. In a string of tweets criticizing Judge Robarts ruling,
Trump called the decision ridiculous and promised that it will be overturned!

Many students have stood in solidarity with classmates affected by the ban.

All we can do now is fight and hope that our voices are heard, Stomski said.

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