Iowa State and Iowa lose visiting scholars following Trump ban

Two visiting scholars from overseas who planned to be on the University of Iowa and Iowa State University campuses this semester are no longer coming after running into obstacles over President Donald Trump's order temporarily banning immigration from seven countries.

The UI visiting scholar was supposed to arrive on a J-1 visiting scholar visa from Iran, but was blocked from making the trip. ISU's visiting scholar planned to be on campus by Wednesday but has chosen not to come at this time, according to an ISU news release.

UI officials reported Tuesday that one student's spouse will not be allowed to come here during the ban.

ISU has had two others directly affected by the ban, which went into effect Friday and blocks for at least 90 days citizens from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Sudan, Libya and Yemen and bars for at least 120 days - indefinitely for Syrians - refugees from entering the United States.

One ISU postdoctoral researcher in the College of Engineering had his return to the United States delayed following the ban, although he has since returned to Ames.

Additionally, an ISU graduate student, who was admitted but not yet registered, was turned away Saturday at an airport in Sweden. He again was unable to board a flight Tuesday from a different airport, ISU officials reported.

'He has been in contact with the International Students and Scholars Office, and is consulting with immigration attorneys to determine whether he should make further attempts to travel to the U.S.,” according to the news release.

Additional details on those affected at ISE were not available.

Senior Vice President for Student Affairs Martino Harmon said the university is doing what it can to help.

'We have had relationships for years with many immigration attorneys, who we're planning to invite here in a few weeks when more developments are known,” Harmon said.

Even with the unknowns, Harmon said, ISU is moving ahead with its international student admissions for the next school year.

'We are admitting students based on our admission criteria,” he said. 'We are not factoring in this policy in any shape or form, in terms of their admissibility.”

ISU has some concerns the immigration restrictions will decrease interest abroad among prospective students, according to Harmon.

ISU President Steven Leath this week issued a statement asserting the campus welcomes students and faculty from across the globe 'who enrich the educational experience and enhance the research contribution of Iowa State.”

On the UI campus, some international students said they're changing summer travel plans amid concerns they might not be allowed to return, and others have reported family members being affected.

Downing Thomas, associate provost and dean of UI International Programs, in a message over the weekend noted the campus' history of diversity and inclusivity and stressed all students are 'welcome in our community.” UI President Bruce Harreld later sent a message to the campus affirming the statement.

A group of 33 UI law professors this week signed an open letter.

'Your presence in our classrooms brings a richness to the learning experience of all students and helps us prepare all students to navigate the complex world into which they graduate,” the letter said in part.

Similar statements have gone out on the University of Northern Iowa, Cornell College, and Kirkwood Community College campuses.