On Jan. 27, President Donald Trump announced a ban on immigrants from seven Muslim-majority nations. In lieu of the announcement, Iran, one of the listed countries, is considering retribution.
Iran officials claimed the ban is an “insult and gift to extremists.” Iran’s foreign ministry explained that Trump’s decision to restrict travel for Muslims into the U.S. is an obvious insult to the Islamic world, particularly Iran.
“Despite the claims of combating terrorism and keeping American people safe, it will be recorded in history as big gift to extremists and their supporters,” they said.
If Trump does not promptly make changes, the Foreign Affairs Ministry claims they are considering legal, political and reciprocal measures. However, Javad Zarif, the Iranian Foreign Minister, said they will not take similar measures as the U.S. did.
“Unlike the U.S., our decision is not retroactive,” he said. “All with valid Iranian visa will be gladly welcomed.”
Organizations and individuals around the world proclaim the order as ‘harmful and nasty.’ The International Rescue Committee, for instance, said the country’s refugee program makes it more difficult for refugees to enter the United States. As part of Trump’s latest executive order, the “extreme vetting” process could cause a two-year delay in admittance to the U.S.
David Miliband, president and CEO of the International Rescue Committee, explained that refugees are not terrorists; they are fleeing terror.
“At a time when there are more refugees than ever, America must remain true to its core values,” he said. “America must remain a beacon of hope.”
Trump also ordered that the U.S. gives refugee priority to persecuted Christians in Muslim-majority countries. This additional rule caused a mass backlash, as people claim the religious prioritization officiates the order as a racial ban rather than a safety precaution.
The International Organization for Migration and UN Refugee Agency said they believe refugees should receive equal treatment for protection. The organizations also said the government should provide opportunities for resettlement regardless of religion, nationality, or race.
Students face effects of ban
Included in this ban are U.S. students who are citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen. If students native to these countries leave the U.S., including study trips, they risk losing their visas.
Some students are already facing exclusion from the U.S., despite their student statuses. One student, admitted into a Ph.D. program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, already received his student visa. Because of the most recent order, he is now unable to attend the program. With many situations like this, the Chronicle of Higher Education recommends that students in this category do not leave the country.
Some universities and students have already commented on the situation and continue to announce their plans for international students.
