In response to rapidly changing federal policies and queries from AAUP Bucknell and others, Bucknell has provided more information to support students, faculty, and staff. This information has come in the form of a web page describing relevant policies and also two information sessions organized by the Office of the General Counsel and International Student & Scholar Services.
The new webpage includes information on Enforcement of Immigration Laws on campus, responses to questions regarding new DEI-related policies, and Sex and Gender Identity policies. These statements address many concerns shared by AAUP Members in our Federal Policy Impact Survey and our chapter encourages the University to continue to share responses to these emerging issues as quickly as possible.
The information session held at noon on Feb 24 was a Q&A Session led by Attorney Dan Berger, Bucknell’s external immigration counsel, on The Current Immigration Climate for Higher Education. He shared his perspective on both current policies and anticipated changes and spent over an hour answering questions from students, staff, and faculty in attendance. Some of the takeaways:
- Everyone should carry proof of immigration status, or if their immigration status is uncertain/complex, they should speak to an immigration expert before any encounter with federal agents
- Immigration enforcement has not been targeting campuses (yet), although the administration is threatening to do so
- Common immigration categories such as J-1 and H-1B are unlikely to see the same attempts at restriction as happened in Trump’s first presidency
- More clarity was provided about when to call Bucknell’s General Counsel Office or Public Safety: faculty, staff, AND students should call if they encounter federal immigration enforcement either on campus or elsewhere in Lewisburg.
- If your immigration status is undocumented or unclear, you should be aware of the implications of the Laken-Riley Act and take extra precautions to avoid any accusations of illegal activity
- Be aware of resources such as the Immigration Advocates Network (to find an immigration attorney) and the THRIVE-IP organization (that provides immigrant support services in this region of PA)
The Bucknell AAUP appreciates the efforts to provide this critical information to our campus community. The second information session was about Visas after Graduation: Options to Stay and Work in the US, although none of the executive committee was able to attend this session. Please share with us your experience!