Notes from the First UMMHC/UMMS Listening Session on Immigration
Addressing the audience at Friday’s “Listening Session on the Executive Order on Immigration,” UMMS Vice Chancellor of Diversity and Inclusion, Deborah Plummer, worked to provide reassurances, pointing out that our institutions are firmly committed to supporting our international students and colleagues.
The overfull auditorium hosted an informal question and answer session relating to the recent Executive Order which prohibits entry into the US by people from Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Iran, Somalia, Libya, and Yemen. If you missed this one, the entire UMMS community is invited to attend the next
Listening Session on the Executive Order on Immigration
Tuesday, February 7, 12:00-1:00pm
In the Auditorium, 333 South Street, Shrewsbury Campus
Additionally, to address the great many specific legal questions, the Immigration Services Office and the UMass General Counsel’s office is hosting an
Immigration Law Discussion
Thursday, February 9th at 11:30am
In the UMMS Amphitheater in S2-102
Vanessa Paulman, UMMS Director of Immigration Services, highlighted that, at the heart of the University’s commitment, the UMass university system has signed on to the lawsuit brought by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, which directly challenges the legality of the Executive Order.
In this First Listening Session, there were more questions than answers, including:
- How to best care for those refugee patients who are frightened, for legal reasons, about identifying themselves, and might be foregoing important medical care
- What to do if you or someone you know about is being treated differently in the workplace as a result of their nationality
- How to help friends and family who are seeking entry to the US
- How to keep updated about the evolving legal issues involved
The facilitators promised that both institutions would ramp up communication and provide useful information to members of our community. Some things are already clear. Although permanent residents of the US who were born in one of the above-listed countries are no longer banned from entry, the facilitators still discouraged them from international travel.
Like so many in the room, SHARE leaders are still working to make sense of the legal changes and the effect on our members and our patients. We know that the Executive Order has created anxiety and unease among our members, all of whom work here legally, in service of the missions of our employers.
If you have particular concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact the SHARE office. We will be happy to help you find any support and answers that you need. Additionally, we recommend contacting UMMS’ Immigration Services Office, Diversity and Inclusion Office, or the Employee Assistance Program.