A recent executive order by President Donald Trump that banned people from seven primarily Muslim countries from entering the United States has been met by mixed feelings by Castleton University students.

            The ban impacts people from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen and some students see it as a way to create a safety barrier for Americans.        

            “I believe banning the countries that we did was a good idea because it helps keep Americans safe, but at the same time, we didn’t ban countries that also have ISIS ties. I believe Trump banned these specific countries because it is these countries that have a large percentage of supporters for ISIS. I believe the ban is a safety precaution and was used at the right time. However I would not like the ban to be permanent,” said junior Bryan Vachereau.

            Others, however, don’t agree with the ban.

            “ I think it’s very unfortunate that Trump needs to take things to measures like this one. People’s lives are being shattered. We need to help people suffering in other countries,” said freshman Elizabeth Morris.

            And some think the ban may actually have a reverse effect and make Americans more of a terrorist target.

            “The ban doesn’t make me feel any safer.  It makes me fearful for the people that this ban affects and for the possible repercussions of this ban,” said sophomore Morgan Brill.

            The ban is currently on hold after the Court of Appeals Ninth Circuit in San Francisco upheld a federal judge’s ruling. Trump has vowed to continue the legal challenge to reinstate it.

            Some students said they see the barrier as complete discrimination.

            “I think Trump made a big mistake when signing that executive order. Our country was built on the backs of immigrants. We have discriminated against minorities long before my grandparents were even born. There are men women, children, who have green cards and were seized because they are Muslim and from the Middle East, that is wrong even if they don’t have green cards,” said junior Megan Folsom.

            Folsom also mentioned the lack of compassion some seem to have regarding the issue of refugees coming to the United States.

            “We are telling these people that they are not allowed to enter the country because they are not welcome, but we have no sympathy for the pain they have gone through. To me that is just inhumane. We have dehumanized these people by labeling them Muslims. They are more than a religion. They are people just like you and I. The people for this ban need to realize that they aren’t the only humans on the face of this planet and I hope they learn compassion,” Folsom said.