A group of over 570 university and college presidents have condemned the Trump administration’s violations of students’ constitutional rights.

The higher education leaders who are members of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration are acting to protect international students, postdocs, and faculty members. I am proud to say that Lisa C. Freeman, President of Northern Illinois University, has signed on to this organization’s important statement.

President Trump and his administration have repeatedly threatened international students and violated their constitutional rights. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has improperly revoked valid international student visas without due process, sometimes clearly in retaliation for students’ participation in peaceful protests. This violates First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly, which pertain equally to all persons legally in in the United States, not just U.S. citizens.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have illegally detained international students, postdocs, and faculty members without due process. They have also illegally detained some United States citizens who they mistakenly assumed to be non-citizens. Customs agents have improperly and illegally denied entry to international researchers traveling to the United States. The Trump administration has illegally deported international students and faculty members, and it seeks to deport more international students as part of its ongoing campaign against higher education and research.

Northern Illinois University President Lisa C. Freeman has issued the following statement:

Across the nation, noncitizen students and scholars are facing great uncertainty and anxiety because of recent federal actions. Reports of more than 300 student and scholar visas being revoked, and individuals being detained or deported for expressing viewpoints deemed offensive by the federal government, are deeply concerning. As a member of the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, NIU joins more than 570 universities and colleges in calling on the administration to respect an individual’s constitutional rights to free speech and due process.

International and undocumented students and scholars are valued, contributing members of our NIU community. The university is actively supporting them in their teaching, learning, status compliance and overall well-being. Our community should be mindful that an individual’s immigration status is protected information (in accordance with legel and ethical standards) to uphold privacy, ensure personal safety and prevent discrimination. 

Our country is experiencing rapid change, uncertainty and heightened division. While some might find it validating, others might feel infuriated. As Huskies, we have the opportunity to demonstrate respect and care, recognizing that we are all here in pursuit of knowledge and growth. Remember, success includes asking for help. Please do not hesitate to utilize the university’s resources, such as the Center for Student Assistance, Counseling and Consultation Services, Employee Well-being or the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost to support your success and help you finish the semester strong.

Together Forward,

Lisa C. Freeman
President

The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration‘s statement reads:

In light of reports of over 300 international student visas that have been revoked and the recent detentions of noncitizen students and other campus members in the U.S., the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration issued the following statement:

The Presidents’ Alliance is highly alarmed by recent immigration enforcement actions targeting noncitizen students, faculty and staff, condemns the detention of international students, and urgently calls on the Administration to respect their constitutional rights, including the First Amendment’s protection of speech and the Fifth Amendment’s guarantee of due process.

Recent immigration enforcement operations —including apprehending and detaining international students and revoking student visas— appear to lack clear cause or be based on political speech or association and raise serious concerns about fairness, due process, freedom from arbitrary or discriminatory enforcement, and other constitutional protections.  The government’s actions and rhetoric create an atmosphere of fear, threaten academic freedom, chill free expression, and jeopardize the well-being of noncitizen members of our campus communities. 

U.S. colleges and universities are unmatched centers of learning, discovery, and training. We draw students, scholars, and researchers from across the nation and around the world to learn together, advance knowledge, foster innovation, and contribute to economic growth and global security. Our higher education institutions cultivate domestic and global talent essential to U.S. scientific and technological advancement and all sectors of society. International and immigrant students, faculty, and staff on our campuses and in our communities are integral to America’s leadership in STEM, healthcare, business, teaching, innovation, the arts, and the workforce of tomorrow.

We strongly support the right of both citizens and noncitizens, including international students, to engage in peaceful expression. Academic freedom, freedom of inquiry, and freedom of individual expression are foundational values central to the mission of U.S. higher education and our country’s core democratic principles. These commitments are fully consistent with our responsibilities under state and federal laws, including those related to national security. Upholding these principles strengthens—not undermines—our ability to foster the secure, inclusive, and vibrant academic communities that have made our nation a global leader.

We stand with colleges and universities taking proactive steps to support their communities—citizen and noncitizen alike—and to prepare for the challenges posed by these deeply disturbing immigration enforcement actions. The Presidents’ Alliance is prepared to assist institutions with guidance and resources.

For more information, see the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration website.

Northern Illinois University President’s Office has further information on President Lisa C. Freeman and her advocacy for international students.