Dear Pomona College community,
Developing federal policy and actions continue to affect higher education and the College. I write to share some updates about what we know.
On Monday, President Trump’s Executive Order banning travel to the United States from 12 countries went into effect. This order, which affects tens of thousands of students across American higher education, directly impacts Pomona students. The administration and State Department have also intimated additional actions that may further impact Chinese students studying in America.
Our Office of International Student and Scholar Services is on top of these matters and is actively providing counsel and support.
Our international students are vital to our community, and we will do everything we can to support them during this challenging time. Whether they are from the countries affected by these orders or not, our international students continue to navigate an uncertain landscape, and we encourage them to contact Assistant Director, International Student & Scholar Services Kathy Quispe with questions.
I also want to acknowledge the understandable concerns many of you have about the protests in Los Angeles following enforcement actions taken by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on workplaces and schools, including those in Los Angeles. The president’s decision to deploy the National Guard and Marines, despite the mayor’s and governor’s objections, raises even greater apprehensions. We are monitoring these developments closely and hope the situation will be resolved soon with respect for the dignity and rights of individuals, as well as state and national law.
Our work, meanwhile, continues with partners in Washington to communicate to the Senate Finance Committee that several provisions of the House budget proposal would be counterproductive for students at institutions like Pomona. We continue to advocate for what we believe are both necessary and important changes to the bill before it proceeds in the legislative process.
We will continue to provide regular updates and trust that you are supporting one another and taking advantage of the College’s support resources as you need them.
Best wishes,
Bob
Robert Gaines
Acting President
Edwin F. and Martha Hahn Professor of Geology