SASTA expresses serious concerns about the U.S. Presidential Executive Order on Immigration
News source: SASTA Press Office
Public Statement – For Immediate Release
SASTA Board issues a statement regarding the United State’s administration ban on travel of people from six Arab countries and Iran:
SASTA leadership voices serious concerns about the executive order by President Trump to ban the travel of nationals from Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Somalia, Libya, Sudan, and Iran on the pretext of increasing the vetting and protection of the country. As an organization that is committed to building bridges between the Arab countries and the U.S. through science and increase the engagement of aspiring young scientists, this a severe blow to our efforts.
“We feel this is the wrong way to approach security by throwing a blanket travel ban based on faith or nationality” said Wael Al-Delaimy, SASTA Chairman who is originally from Iraq, one of the six countries affected by the ban. Many lives have been disrupted and scientific collaborations halted because of this unprecedented move. The U.S. image of being the destination for the top minds of the world who are given equal opportunity is being serious undermined.
We believe that the way forward is through openness, tolerance and free exchange of ideas and knowledge among the peoples of the world. Our Society will continue to work and advocate for this.
Download the full version of Press Release
###
The Society for the Advancement of Science and Technology in the Arab World (SASTA) was born out of the mutual interest of Arab Expatriate Scientists (AES) and Academics living abroad to engage more effectively with the Arab Education, Science and Technology community to create a positive impact in the Arab World.
The Society mission is to mobilize and catalyse the engagement of scientists, professionals, NGO’s, academic institutions and professional societies to advance higher education, science and research in Arab countries.
SASTA is registered as a non-profit organization with the Office of the Secretary of State of California on October,1 2011.
###