March 7, 2017
To: Members of the University Community
From: Robert J. Zimmer, President, and Daniel Diermeier, Provost
Subject: Update on Executive Order Regarding Immigration
Date: March 7, 2017
On Monday, March 6, the Trump administration issued a new executive order on immigration, replacing an order from January that faced challenges in court and objections from many universities, including ours. We continue to have serious concerns about the unnecessary restrictions on the ability of international scholars and students to work and study in the United States. As we expressed in our January 30 letter to President Trump, communications to the campus community, and an amici curiae brief (which the University of Chicago signed along with 16 other major research universities), we are committed to the active engagement of people from around the globe, and the open exchange of ideas that it brings.
The University is closely tracking other policy changes that impact the University, including a recent announcement by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that will suspend premium processing for H-1B visa applications for a period of up to six months. The University regularly sponsors H-1B visas for faculty members, other academic appointees, and staff members, and the Office of International Affairs is working directly with units and members of the campus community to provide support in light of this policy change.
The University will continue to provide information and guidance on these issues and updates as new information is available. The University maintains its commitment to supporting our international students, scholars, and other University community members affected by these and other federal actions.