UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — In light of the recent suspension of immigration, announced April 22 by U.S. President Donald Trump, there has been collective concern from the Penn State international community about what the new executive order may mean. Officials in the University’s Global Programs office indicate that the order will have little impact on Penn State’s international student, scholar and faculty community. Global engagement has been a foundation of the University’s strategic plan and will continue to be so into the future.
“We would like to assure our international community that we are committed to the vitality of a global university that thrives on opportunities for shared research, teaching and service,” said Roger Brindley, vice provost for Global Programs at Penn State.
“Immigration processes and terms can be confusing,” said Masume Assaf, director of student and scholar advising. “It is important to note that this immigration suspension refers to individuals applying for green cards outside the United States, not to those applying within the United States, and it is a temporary 60-day suspension. The vast majority of our international students are in nonimmigrant status, so they and their families are not affected by this immigration suspension.”
Most international faculty at Penn State are applying for a green card through the adjustment of status process within the U.S. with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This process is not affected by the recent executive order, said Assaf. Faculty with other immigration statuses such as the H-1B also are not affected by the executive order because nonimmigrants are not included, according to Assaf.
Anyone with questions or concerns, should contact Global Programs via iStart.
“There are a number of resources and a dedicated staff ready to help our international community navigate a successful, legal entry to the U.S. as a member of the University community,” Brindley said. “Penn State is working hard to support our existing international student, scholar, and faculty populations, and we look forward to welcoming many new faces to our vibrant international community in the very near future.”
Key resources include: