ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — At least one student who attends the University of Central Florida can’t return to class because of President Trump’s executive order on refugees and immigration.
Mojtaba Shirazi said his brother, who also attends UCF, is a doctoral student on an F1 visa. The visa is needed for anyone who wishes to attend a university, college or other forms of education in the U.S. The visa allows people to come into the country once, but not leave and return.
The brothers went home knowing they would have to apply for a new visa, Shirazi said. His took six months for him to be cleared again, his brother’s took eight months.
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“Finally, he got cleared last Wednesday. We were so happy that he could join us again,” said Shirazi.
However, following Trump’s executive order that temporarily bans immigration from Iran and other nations for at least 90 days, Shirazi’s brother will have to stay in Iran.
"We were shocked actually and hopeless,” said Shirazi.
"Some people are scared terrorists are coming into this country, what do you say to that?" Channel 9's Cierra Putman asked.
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“I would say that it’s their right to have their country safe, but students here, are not terrorists. We came here to study. We came to do research,” Shirazi said.
Other students told Eyewitness News that they came to America for better opportunities.
"I'm studying master's of civil engineering,” said one of the students.
Amir Rajabi told Eyewitness News that he hoped to bring his new bride to the states.
“I’m really disappointed. I really don’t know what to do and I can’t live without her. I really can’t live without her,” said Rajabi.
He said he’s considering ending his studies in the U.S.
“I cannot concentrate without her. I cannot concentrate,” Rajabi said.
The Iranian Student Association said there are several other stories similar to Rajabis’.
UCF sent a note out Friday that urged students from the affected countries not to travel outside the United States.