Mayor Ed Gainey Issues Statement On Immigration Actions Against Students

My office is in close contact with leaders at Carnegie Mellon and Pitt following the alarming termination of the visas of at least 15 students and alumni. This action is part of the Trump administration’s unjustified and inhumane immigration policies. These deeply disturbing actions have ramifications that extend far beyond the individuals directly impacted – they reverberate throughout our university communities and across the City of Pittsburgh. 

I’m thankful for the swift, compassionate response of both universities in supporting their students through these unprecedented and deeply unsettling circumstances. 

As Mayor, I am leveraging every tool at my administration’s disposal to defend our universities against harassment by the Trump administration and to protect EVERY student and faculty members’ right to safety, due process, and freedom to live and learn without fear.  

This moment calls for unity, solidarity, and courage from each and every one of us — especially those in positions of power. That begins with recognizing the extent to which Trump’s agenda — including his administration’s ability to target, deport and disappear our students — depends on compliance of local leaders and institutions. As long as I am Mayor, the City of Pittsburgh will not stand by. We will stand up firmly and unequivocally in defense of every one of our residents. We will not cower or roll over to wannabe dictators, unelected billionaires, or their allies.  ~Mayor Ed Gainey