FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2018
Contact: Martha Parham
202-728-0200 x209
mparham@aacc.nche.edu
WASHINGTON, DC—The Supreme Court yesterday ruled that President Trump has the authority to implement a travel ban that restricts entry to the U.S. for nationals from seven countries—mostly Muslim-majority nations. This ruling is disappointing and concerning to the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) and to many in higher education.
There are nearly 100,000 international students attending U.S. community colleges and the contributions they make to our institutions, our communities and our nation are invaluable. These students come to the United States for education and experience in order to better their lives. To deny them this opportunity simply because of where they are from or because of what religion they may practice is misguided and disheartening, to say the least.
And, by denying certain people opportunities to enter the United States, we’re also denying American students valuable opportunities to learn and grow as global citizens. We talk a lot about global competence for our students. In the community college sector, many students cannot afford to study abroad and see the world. As international students spend time on our campuses and in our classrooms, they in turn are helping American students gain exposure to other cultures and to the world beyond their own community.
This travel ban—and the Supreme Court’s ruling to uphold it—goes against our national interest and our American values.
Walter G. Bumphus, Ph.D.
AACC President and CEO
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As the voice of the nation’s community colleges, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), delivers educational and economic opportunity for 12 million diverse students in search of the American Dream. Uniquely dedicated to access and success for all students, AACC’s nearly 1,200 member colleges provide an on-ramp to degree attainment, skilled careers and family-supporting wages. Located in Washington, D.C., AACC advocates for these not-for-profit, public-serving institutions to ensure they have the resources and support they need to deliver on the mission of increasing economic mobility for all.