Dear Dr. W. Kent Fuchs,

We, students and faculty of the University of Florida, ask that you release a public statement condemning this week's executive orders signed by President Trump that includes restrictions on immigration and education access for refugee, international and undocumented students. We ask that you publicly uphold and defend the human right to education for all, and for stand with all refugee, international and undocumented students at our university and others in this time of need.

Article 26 of the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights defines education as a human right for everyone. Education helps promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among nations, racial and religious groups, and promotes the work of peace.

Nearly 1 million international students came to the United States to study in 2015. Today, our country remains an important place for young people to access a safe, quality education and opportunities to serve local communities and contribute to our greater society.

No order or policy should prevent people deserving and capable of obtaining a higher education in the US from coming here. International students have added billions to the US economy and improve their local communities everyday. Refugee, international and undocumented students also bring diversity of thought and perspective to our classrooms that adds enormous value to our scholarship, academic research and community.

We ask you, again, to ensure that higher education at our university will remain accessible and welcome for all students deserving and willing to study here, no matter where they are from and no matter who is in elected office.

As our President, stand with us today and voice your support for the continuation of student visas and access to quality education for all Muslim, refugee, migrant, undocumented and international students.