UNC Chancellor Carol Folt wrote a letter to the campus community on Sunday saying the university had heard from “many people at Carolina who are confused, frightened and unsure of what to do,” in the wake of a presidential executive order that sparked protests across the country this weekend.
President Donald Trump issued the order on Friday limiting immigrants from seven predominately Muslim countries – Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya and Yemen – from entering the United States for 90 days. The order contained other elements as well.
While multiple courts issued partial temporary stays over the weekend, Folt wrote, “no one is really certain how this will resolve in the coming days.”
“While the full impact of this order remains unclear,” Folt wrote, “we are determined to help people who are directly or indirectly impacted in every way that we can.”
Folt specifically targeted Carolina’s more than 3,000 international students, scholars, staff and families saying they are “essential to our vibrant Carolina community.”
UNC is advising those from the countries targeted by the executive order to reach out to UNC Global with any questions and concerns. Beyond that, the university is advising “students, faculty, and staff who may be affected by this Executive Order to consult an immigration attorney prior to travel outside of the United States.”
Some other universities across the country are encouraging any campus members from the affected countries to remain in the US until the ban is lifted.
A UNC spokesperson said the university is aware of at least one individual who is being affected by the order but no other details are available.
A spokesperson for the 17-campus UNC System also issued a statement on Sunday.
“The University’s international students, distinguished researchers, and faculty are valued and important members of our University community. While the exact impact of the Executive Order (EO) on our University community remains unclear, we have asked each of our constituent institutions to advise their students and employees who are nationals of the countries identified in the EO to refrain from traveling outside the country. We are continuing to monitor the situation, and we will keep our campus communities apprised of new information as it becomes available.”
Related Stories
‹
PlayMakers' Summer Youth Conservatory Celebrates 20 Years with Run of 'Hello, Dolly!'This year marks 20 years of Chapel Hill’s Summer Youth Conservatory, offered through PlayMakers Repertory Company.
Carolina Performing Arts Unveils Multi-Day Performance Festival for 'Campus and Downtown'The Carolina Performing Arts festival, called “All. Together. Now.”, is set to debut Feb. 18-21, 2027 and take place every year.
UNC Reports More Than $17 Million in Direct Economic Impact from Savannah Bananas VisitAccording to a release from UNC, the recent visit from the Savannah Bananas to Chapel Hill generated an estimated $17.1 million.
A Place to Connect and Heal: UNC Holds Annual Community Walk for Suicide PreventionOn Saturday, community members and college students alike met on UNC’s campus for a mile-long walk to destigmatize suicide prevention.
'Together is The Only Path Forward': Orange County's Habitat for Humanity Hosts Affordable Housing SummitAmid a shortage of affordable housing – both locally and nationally – the Orange County chapter of Habitat for Humanity recently held a summit to discuss how leaders can collectively aim to better address the issue.
Chapel Hill Alerts Residents To Upcoming S. Columbia Road ClosureThe Town of Chapel Hill announced that a section of S. Columbia St. will be closed as UNC conducts maintenance on its steam tunnel system.
Multiple UNC Football Players Facing Reckless Driving ChargesSeveral UNC football players are facing charges of reckless driving, speeding and other violations. An investigation by WRAL, originally published Monday afternoon, reported that “nearly 20 percent” of UNC’s 101-man roster has been cited for speeding since October of 2024. The investigation named three specific players: linebacker Khmori House, safety Gavin Gibson and cornerback Thaddeus […]
Parking, Parties and Team History: What to Know Ahead of Mexico vs. Türkiye Soccer in Chapel HillThe men's national soccer teams of Mexico and Türkiye will meet in Chapel Hill Tuesday for a friendly. Here's what to know before you go.
Police: UNC Student Victim of Carjacking in W. Franklin Street Parking DeckChapel Hill Police are investigating the carjacking of a UNC student that took place early Saturday morning. No injuries are reported.
Honoring Chapel Hill's Black Builders: UNC Landmarks and the Local Faces Who Built ThemMaps are storytellers, but they can exclude certain narratives. Fowota Mortoo said that’s the case for Chapel Hill’s Black builders.
›
