Within just one month of his presidency, Donald Trump issued a major focus change toward immigration.
Activity from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Northeast Ohio sparked concern among locals and university students. However, no educational facility has been subject to federal scrutiny in Ohio so far. But the future of schools as safe spaces was called into question on Jan. 20, when the Trump administration rescinded a policy that established protected areas from immigration enforcement, such as schools, churches and hospitals.
Following the policy changes, an email covering immigration enforcement protocol was sent out to employees of the Kent State community. The email contained guidelines on what to do if law enforcement were to visit campus “for the purposes of immigration law.”
Employees were directed to call Kent State Police Services and Kent State’s Office of General Counsel. Law enforcement is still prohibited to demand a release of information without “a lawfully executed subpoena, a court order, a judicial warrant or an individual’s permission.”
The email sparked some concern among students who wonder how safe the campus is for those affected. Others wonder if the immigration policy focus of the Trump administration would affect the future of international programs at Kent State.
Marcello Fantoni, vice president for global education, commented on the news.
“Yes, something is changing … new directives, new regulations, new restrictions, etcetera,” Fantoni said. “We are used to it because we are always exposed to this. In this case in particular, we have to implement new ways of working with international students coming to America.”
As part of his work with the university, Fantoni assists international students with getting student visas and maintaining their citizenship status.
“With increasing pressure, we really need to be more proactive with the students,” Fantoni said. “If a student doesn’t pay the fees, if they don’t take enough credits, there are tons of reasons why [they are under pressure]. If you do it as an American, well, your dad and mom will be mad at you. If you do it and you are from Ghana, you lose your right to stay in the United States.”
As concerns over new immigration policies loom over the country and universities, Fantoni said it’s important to try to stay calm.
“The most important thing that we need to prevent is panic,” he said. “Panic is never a good advisor, and trust me, we have faced a lot of that. We have been sending out emails to international students as new things arise but cannot prevent things from happening or interfere with federal regulations.”
Fantoni also said to combat panic about the new immigration measures, people should aim to spread factual information and try not to worry about problems out of their control.
Fantoni wanted to ensure that Kent State is here for international students and has resources to help them. The university wants to be prepared in the case that officers were to come on campus for the purpose of immigration law, according to Fantoni.
“There is nothing we can do to prevent that,” Fantoni said. “The only thing we can do is to be found ready.”
Kent State’s International Student Council also commented on the worry.
“The university consistently demonstrates its commitment to transparency and responsibility by promptly disseminating detailed information through its official channels,” the ISC told The Kent Stater in a statement. “It is important to clarify that recent government efforts are not targeted at individuals lawfully present in the country.”
The ISC will adhere to the university’s recommendations, which means helping students and members maintain documentation, travel plans and readiness for the future.
While the change in policy worries and may affect members of the community, resources at the university aim to provide some hope and safety during these times.
Tanner Smith is a beat reporter. Contact him at [email protected].