U of Regina standing behind students, staff affected by U.S. travel ban

A sessional lecturer at the University of Regina is ready to miss out on academic conferences in the U.S., knowing that an executive order from President Donald Trump is keeping people from her home country from attending the same events.

"I don't have to go because other people from my country cannot go," Zeinab Azadbakht told reporters Friday.

The Iranian-Canadian said she has a sister-in-law living in the United States who now cannot visit their family in Iran.

It was one week ago that Trump signed the order which imposed a 120-day ban on refugees entering the U.S. and a 90-day ban on all entry to the U.S. for those from countries it considers compromised by terrorism.

• Judge orders White House to list people excluded by Trump immigration ban

• Passengers, students, Oscar nominees among those left in limbo by Trump travel ban

The three-month ban applies to Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen.

While Azadbakht would be able to freely travelthanks to her Canadian passport, her husband does not yet have permanent residency in Canada and wouldn't be able to travel with her.

The U of R has 91 students from the seven banned countries, president and vice-chancellor Vianne Timmons said.

"They are nervous and anxious even to identify themselves from those countries," Timmons told reporters, after blasting Trump's ban.

Timmons said she was distressed by the impact the ban will have on the lives of staff and students at the university. Supporting any academics boycotting conferences in the U.S., Timmons said the university is looking at whetherit can mitigate the effects that may have on the academics' careers.

• University of Saskatchewan calls for end to travel ban, Saskatoon Mayor offers support

• Mosque welcomes all Reginans: 'Our response to hate should be love and understanding'

Azadbakht said thatas a Muslim, the shooting at a Quebec City mosque earlier this week has made her feel scared. However, she said she's encouraged by the support she has received.

"I'm really sorry for what happened in Quebec and I really understand the feeling and rage that's going on. I hope it doesn't happen again in Canada and we feel safe travelling around."