Derrek Vaughn | The Valdosta Daily TimesMuslim exchange students from Saudi Arabia, Norah Aldawsari and Nada Aldrassari, joined the protest at Valdosta State University against President Donald Trump’s travel ban. Aldawsari said, ‘It’s not fair to apply this to all people like people who have green cards and clear background checks. It’s not going to make America great. I am applying to stay in the United States forever, but I’m not going to make it if I keep being discriminated against.’

VALDOSTA – Students rallied at Valdosta State University Thursday afternoon in a march to protest President Donald Trump’s travel ban.

Organized by the students of VSU’s Sociology Club, the march began at Odum Library and continued down the main mall on campus. 

Brittany Roark, president of the sociology club and one of the organizers, felt the march was a way for people on campus to publicly speak out.

“Speaking out on Facebook isn’t enough,” Roark said. “We decided to stand together with those in and outside the country.”

Dubbed the “Anti Muslim Ban March,” participants carried signs expressing disdain toward the travel ban and showcasing messages of love.

The travel ban, an executive order signed by Trump that prevents refugees from entering the country for 120 days and keeps immigrants from seven predominately Muslim nations out for three months according to CNN, includes Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia.

A Valdosta State University spokesman said Monday the university does not have any students from those countries.

Two muslim students present at the VSU march, Aliyah Jones and Norah Aldawsari, expressed concern over what the ban and how it makes them feel. 

“It made me feel alienated,” Jones said of the executive order. “Both my parents are citizens and Muslim but I feel I am not being treated like an American. I would like to see this order go away.”

Aldawsari shared similar beliefs. She came to Valdosta as an international student from Saudi Arabia. She received her an advanced degree from VSU and currently works as a therapist.

“This policy made me feel sad. It’s not fair at all. I have friends who were visiting family and were unable to re-enter the United States,” Aldawsari said. “It’s not fair to apply this to all people like people who have green cards and clear background checks. It’s not going to make America great. I am applying to stay in the United States forever, but I’m not going to make it if I keep being discriminated against.”

The march was the first step Roark and fellow marchers plan to take in having their voices heard.

“Out next step is a phone rally to contact state representatives and speak out,” Roark said. 

Desiree Carver is Lifestyles Editor at the Valdosta Daily Times. She can be reached at (229) 375-5777.