NMSU chancellor warns foreign students, staff against traveling outside the U.S.

New Mexico State University Chancellor Garrey Carruthers is warning students and staff not to leave the U.S. if they are from one of the seven countries that fall under President Donald Trump’s executive order on immigration.

In a memo sent out Sunday, Carruthers said he advises any NMSU student, faculty or staff member who are citizens of Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen to not leave the U.S. even if they are a permanent resident.

Currently there are 65 students from those countries enrolled at either NMSU or Doña Ana Community College. Fort-nine students are from Iran; four from Iraq; three are from Yemen; and 9 are from Libya. All but seven, including three from DACC, are graduate students. NMSU officials said two faculty/staff members are non-resident aliens who travel on foreign passports and have visas.

On Monday, Carruthers said NMSU wants students to feel comfortable. He added the executive order came suddenly, but the university is making arrangements with students to help.

“We sort of have to blame ourselves,” Carruthers said. “He said this during the campaign. I just think it surprised us and we weren’t prepared. So we’re concerned about the reaction on the part of those people who are directly affected and we’re trying to be helpful and demonstrate to them that as a community we are here to help.”

Any student or staff members with concerns or questions are asked to call the International Student and Scholars Services at (575) 646-2017