Fordham University President Joseph M. McShane, S.J., and Fordham Law School Dean Matthew Diller issued statements on January 29, 2017, regarding President Trump’s executive order on refugees and immigrants.
University President’s Statement
Dear Members of the Fordham Family,
As I’m sure you are aware, President Trump’s executive order on refugees and immigration has shocked and unsettled many Americans. Last night a federal judge issued a temporary stay suspending implementation of the order, but to say that the landscape is unsettled for those seeking refuge in the United States would be a vast understatement.
We have identified at least seven students who may be affected by the current order, and we have reached out to them to offer support and advice. While we struggle to understand the shifting legal landscape, we have created an information page that may be of some help: Resources for Undocumented Students (DACA)
Though we do not know the ultimate outcome of the president’s order (nor subsequent orders and legislation), please be assured that Fordham University stands with the tens of thousands of refugees and would-be immigrants affected by these laws. We have a long history as a University of and for immigrants, in a city and a nation built by immigrants.
I know the Fordham Community joins me in keeping the refugees and immigrants of all nations in our thoughts and prayers today.
Sincerely,
Joseph M. McShane, S.J.
Law School Dean’s Statement
To the Fordham Law Community,
The events this past weekend following the President’s executive order on immigration have been extraordinary. I join with Fr. McShane in voicing my concern for those affected by the action.
The Fordham Law community consists of students, faculty, and staff who themselves or whose relatives have come to the United States from many parts of the world. Higher education has been one of the many points of commonality that crosses borders and bridges divides around the world. I have not heard of any members of the Fordham Law community who have been detained or turned away this weekend at any ports of entry, but we do have members of our community from the seven nations whose nationals are being excluded, as well as others affected by aspects of the order.
As Dean, I will call on the compassion and love of justice that is so strong in our midst to assist members of the Fordham Law community in any way that we can. If you know of individuals who are affected, please contact me directly or contact Assistant Dean Nitza Escalera.
In addition, at this moment, it is important to focus on our tradition of service—our motto is “in the service of others.” I urge all who wish to get involved to participate in the activities of our student service groups through the Public Interest Resource Center and through the work of our centers and institutes. I also urge members of our community to be active through the many service opportunities provided through the legal profession and through communities and religious institutions.
We can all use our skills and talents to serve others in this time of rapid change that is affecting lives so deeply.
Sincerely,
Matthew Diller
Dean and Paul Fuller Professor of Law