A Message from President Randal Wisbey Regarding Recent Government Actions

In light of the recent presidential executive order regarding entry to the U.S., we want to assure each person in the La Sierra family that we stand with them, whatever their country of origin or immigration status. This university is blessed to have more than 200 international students on our campus from more than 40 nations. We have additional students who are DREAMers, covered by DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Each one brings a unique perspective that enriches our learning community. We are glad all of these students are here and will do everything we can to make their experience successful and enjoyable.

The executive order signed on January 27 bars citizens of seven countries from entering the U.S. for 90 days, beginning January 27, 2017. These countries are Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, Iran, Iraq, and Libya. Citizens of these countries who are already in the U.S. may remain as long as their visas are valid. We strongly encourage those in our community with citizenship in one of these countries not to leave the U.S. during this 90-day period.  This is true even for those who hold a U.S. green card.

International students from other nations may find that the visa process in their home country may take longer than before the executive order was signed. We ask that they plan ahead for this possibility.

La Sierra University has long been recognized nationally for the diversity of our campus. We cherish the richness brought to our community by students, faculty and staff members of all ethnicities and nationalities. It is through such an ethnic and cultural mosaic that the university is best positioned to achieve its mission of seeking truth, knowing God, and serving others.

All of our campus resources are available to the members of our learning community who may be impacted by the recent executive order. The Office of International Students held a question-and-answer session on January 31, and they will continue to help students address issues that may arise. The Counseling Center, the campus chaplains, and the residence hall deans are also happy to provide support. We will continue to communicate with our students as the government clarifies the new rules, and we will do all we can to assist and support them.

We live in turbulent times of rapid change. But what has not changed is La Sierra University’s welcome to students from around the world. Our arms are open wide to people who dream, who want to change their world for good. We remain committed to inclusivity and civil discourse, and to our foundational Christian values which require us to “act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God.” (Micah 6:8)

Randal Wisbey
President