University Communications and Marketing

MSUB continues support of international students impacted by Presidential Executive Order

Contacts:

Paul Foster, Office for International Studies, 896-5785

University Relations, 657-2266

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — Our University’s support of international students, faculty, and staff members will not waiver. On Friday, January 27, President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order that temporarily bars citizens and refugees from certain countries from entering the United States.

Eastern Montana, Yellowstone County and the City of Billings have a long history of international immigration. Many Montanans trace their heritage to homesteaders, miners, railroad workers, and others who settled our wonderful state during the past 125 years.

More recently, at MSUB we have been fortunate to welcome talented individuals from new world areas. This is an opportunity for our community to come together to show our support for all of our faculty, students and staff.

“MSU Billings has an active and growing international student body, including students from all continents. In fact, over 30 languages are spoken daily on the MSUB campus. We firmly believe that international and global competencies are a critical part of higher education in the 21^st century,” said MSUB Office for International Studies (OIS)  Executive Director Paul Foster.

Understandably, this Order has caused concern on our campus and we are working to provide support to our international students and faculty affected.

This morning, the OIS held an informal meeting with students and have open office hours beginning at noon. Throughout the week, the office will have flexible office hours to continue to meet with students and assist them through this time.

“The Billings community has done much to support our international students, by hosting students during the breaks, showing them around Billings, inviting them into their homes on holidays, and making sure they feel welcome in our city,” Foster said. “We anticipate that support of our students and international programs to continue and thank the community for its ongoing support.”

MSUB understands that this executive order will immediately affect our international students and faculty members. We are advising our international community on campus, of the seven listed countries, no travel outside of the country at this time.

However, in this heightened “Post 9-11” environment, MSUB remains committed to working closely with the Department of Homeland Security, Department of State, and other agencies to ensure that all student visa holders fully comply with immigration laws and regulations.

“We have enjoyed excellent cooperation with multiple embassies throughout the world as we seek to expand the scope and reach of our international programs,” Foster said.