A Message from President Armstrong Regarding Immigration Policy Changes

  • News | 30 January 2017 | 1 min read

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January 30, 2017

 

Dear Students,

Since its inception, Broward College has had the privilege of hosting international students from around the world.
This semester there are nearly 700 international students enrolled, representing nearly 90 nations from every continent. When we include the thousands more Permanent Residents in our student body, over 30 percent of our students were born outside of the United States and come from over 150 countries. When added to our many faculty, advisors and staff who are originally from other countries outside of the United States, our academic community is a microcosm of the
rich cultures and nations on Earth.

There is a great deal of discussion in our country about immigration laws, Visas, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), DREAMERS, and other related policy issues. As these discussions continue across our nation’s political and media platforms, rest assured that all our students are appreciated and respected at Broward College. Students, we hope that you will not be discouraged or distracted by the debates going on in our nation.
Broward College is a strong institution because of our international students; their different life experiences and perspectives help other students and our great faculty to gain new insights. Let me close this message with two statements made by Americans who also have ancestors from other nations, and represent different political parties in the United States:

"Nearly all Americans have ancestors who braved the oceans – liberty-loving risk takers in search of an ideal – the largest voluntary migrations in recorded history… Immigration is not just a link to America’s past; it’s also a bridge to America’s future."
George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States

"We [Americans] are a nation of immigrants. We all understand what this country has become because talent from all around the world wants to come here, people who are willing to take risks, people who want to build on their dreams and make sure their kids have an - even bigger dreams than they have."
Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States

Should you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact my Chief of Staff, Adriana Fazzano Ficano. She can be reached at afazzano@broward.edu, or 954-201-7518.​

Sincerely,

J. David Armstrong, Jr.
President, Broward College