International Student and Scholar Services at Penn sent an email to international students Thursday advising the citizens of several countries to avoid “non-essential” travel ahead of a possible new federal travel ban.
In the March 6 email, ISSS stated that the countries likely to be affected by the travel ban — which may be introduced as early as next week — are Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. ISSS strongly advised students who are citizens of one of the listed countries to avoid “non-essential travel outside of the United States” until more details are available.
“If you are planning to participate in Penn-sponsored travel over the upcoming break, we recommend consulting with your program director as soon as possible to determine whether to proceed with your plans,” ISSS wrote in the message.
Many students will be travelling outside of the United States during the spring break as a part of eight Global Seminar courses offered by Penn Abroad, with program sites in Malawi, Egypt, and Japan, among other countries. These courses combine on-campus classroom learning with short-term international travel experiences, offered during spring break or at the end of the semester, across a wide range of disciplines.
ISSS shared that they are “closely monitoring the situation” and collaborating with “Schools and Centers” across Penn to discuss possible accommodations for students who feel uncomfortable traveling outside of the country.
“We understand that this uncertainty may create stress and disruption,” the email concluded. “We are here to support you.”
The Thursday email comes after Penn issued a statement in December 2024, shortly before winter break, advising international students at Penn to return to the United States before the Jan. 20 inauguration of 1968 Wharton graduate and then President-elect Donald Trump.
Several international students have also voiced concern about student visa statuses and job prospects following Trump’s victory, fearing potential changes to their career and research opportunities and their ability to enter the United States.
Source: thedp.com