Federal Judge James Robart temporarily halted President Trump’s travel ban Feb. 3, sparking continued controversy over U.S. immigration.

Trump signed an executive order on Jan. 27 that blocked immigrants and refugees from seven countries from entering the U.S. for 90 days. The countries on the banned list included Iraq, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen.

As controversy continues to surround travel and immigration, many international students throughout the country fear that their American education is at risk, including students at St. Thomas. Thana’a Al-mabuk, a Saudi Arabian student studying at St. Thomas, fears that Saudi Arabia could potentially be added to the list as another Muslim-majority nation. Al-mabuk’s father has advised her to avoid visiting home until she finishes her education.

“I could imagine that it’s going to be worse,” Al-mabuk said. “I’m battling (seeing) my family and my future here.”

With the executive order coming as a surprise for many, Al-mabuk worries that her home country could soon be affected. She said that as a girl who chooses to wear a headscarf, she already runs into problems with U.S. security.

Although she fears that future executive orders could impact her, she feels safe and welcome at St. Thomas. “People I’ve met here are extremely amazing,” she said.

Despite the eruption of protests across the country in opposition to the executive order, Trump is not without support. Joseph Schoolmeesters, a junior at St. Thomas, supports the action and feels the travel ban adds an increased level of security.

“(It’s) a stricter vetting program,” Schoolmeesters said. “We don’t know what our government knows about potential threats to the country, and it must work or else they wouldn’t keep implementing it.”

While those in favor of Trump’s travel ban feel that their level of safety is increased, some have experienced negative impacts from the executive order. An estimated 100,000 visas have been revoked according to a Justice Department attorney.

With the possibility that students’ education may be at risk, St. Thomas President Julie Sullivan sent an email to all students as a welcome to the new semester with a reminder of its Catholic principles.

“Our future actions as a campus will be governed by our dedication to our mission as a Catholic university to uphold the principles of Catholic social teaching and to advance the common good,” Sullivan said.

As controversy continues to unfold, Lori Friedman, Director of the Office of International Students, has continued working to ensure students’ safety and provide support to those experiencing fear and an array of emotions following the travel ban.

“We have several students who it affects,” Friedman said. “Their families can’t come visit if they’re graduating.”

Emphasizing the email sent by Sullivan, Friedman wants U.S. students to be welcoming to international students and to remember St. Thomas’ commitment to Catholic social teaching.

Friedman advises that any students planning on traveling should keep in close contact with the office and take extra precautions after the executive order.

Benton Johnson can be reached at bcjohnson@stthomas.edu.