President Donald Trump signed an executive order in late January titled “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States.” The order affects people of all immigration statuses and restricted travel from Iraq, Iran, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen.

A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C. has unanimously maintained the freeze on this order so that the once-banned refugees and citizens can continue entering the country. Lone Star College System officials released a statement regarding the evolving situation.

“Lone Star College is a diverse institution with a sizable international student population,” Chancellor Stephen Head said. “Our international students come to us from all over the globe, including the affected countries. This travel restriction therefore impacts some of our students and their families.”

Immigration attorneys will be available at a series of free immigration workshops at several LSCS campuses. Students, parents and community members are invited to have their questions addressed.

The college system had nearly 3,000 international students enrolled from more than 110 countries in the fall of 2016. At least six students from the countries impacted by the president’s executive order attend LSC campuses.

LSC – Tomball
Monday, Feb. 20 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at North Hall 103

LSC – University Park
Monday, Feb. 20 from 3-5 p.m. at West Dining Room

LSC – Kingwood
Tuesday, Feb. 21 from 3-5 p.m. at Student Conference Center

LSC – North Harris
Tuesday, Feb. 21 from 6-8 p.m. at Academic Building 126

LSC – Montgomery
Thursday, Feb. 23 from 3-5 p.m. at General Academic Center Building 102

LSC – Cy-Fair
Friday, Feb. 24 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Center for the Arts 111

“Lone Star College is committed to all students,” Head said. “I urge our college community to practice respectful dialogue when discussing these issues. We should all strive to create a welcoming learning environment that serves but does not detract from our core mission.”