by Daniel Manou, WTOP10-TV

President Trump or President Clinton, words that not just Americans will have to get used to this November.

With election day less than a week away, international students studying this fall in the U.S. have been able to witness this year’s election from the inside. Watching the political debates between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, students have been able to compare their prior knowledge and opinions to what they have seen firsthand.

Regardless of how far away the states are from their homeland, Lindsey Martin says the results will be felt even after the semester ends.

“As an Australian, I find it really daunting. I feel a bit helpless because I feel like the eventual outcome will affect not only Australia but most of the world because America is a such a super power,” said Martin.

Martin has followed the debates and empathizes with Americans who are frustrated with the current political landscape. Looking at the two candidates Martin said she doesn’t feel confident in either of them but for completely different reasons.

“He [Trump] lacks any kind of depth in his policy statements and any real contentious factual information,” said Martin. “Hillary Clinton might be a seasoned veteran but she is completely uninspiring in my opinion, especially contrasted against Obama.”

For some Americans, frustration has become too much and have decided not to vote. Beliz Atalay actively follows politics in Turkey and she does not understand how Americans can decide not to vote.

“I wouldn’t feel comfortable about it because it’s about my country and even though people may not think one vote will not change anything, it can,” said Atalay.

For Atalay and Martin, voting is mandatory in their country. Australia follows a compulsory vote system which means any resident over the age of 18 is required to register and vote. If someone does not vote and do not have a valid excuse, they can be subjected to a fine and court date, which in some cases has led to jail time.

As the election on November 8 nears, both wish they had a vote but will have to wait to see what the United States Voters decide and how it will affect their countries. Trying to guess what life with either candidate would be like as the next president is something both Martin and Atalay don’t know, but are hoping voters look closely at the policies and personalities before casting their ballot.

by Ilyssa Weiner

Oswego, NY – Oswego State President Deborah Stanley sent students and faculty members an email on Sunday morning in response to President Donald Trump’s recent executive order banning travel into the United States from seven Muslim majority countries including Iraq, Syria, and Iran for 90 days.

The ban affects both non-immigrants and immigrants as well as those with a student or scholar visa. Green card holders were originally affected by the ban. However, according the New York Times, that decision has been reversed.

“There is considerable uncertainty about its implications,” Stanley wrote. “We advise great caution on the part of our international students, faculty and staff to consider carefully any travel outside the country or consider deferring travel until there is more clarity about how the Executive Order will affect us.”

Oswego State does not have a study abroad or international education program in any of the seven countries. Stanley advises those who are from any of those countries and are either planning to travel or are currently outside of the United States to seek the advice of an immigration lawyer before making travel plans.

“SUNY Oswego has always been a welcome and hospitable home for international students and visitors since our founding over 150 years ago,” she wrote. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to international students, scholars and programs for the creativity, intellectual rigor and cultural diversity you bring to our campus.”

According to the New York Times, a federal judge partially blocked Trump’s ban on refugees and other foreign nationals who were being held at U.S. airports on Saturday night. Protests against the ban continue across the country.  

If there are any questions or concerns, contact the Office of International Education and Programs at isss@oswego.edu or by calling 315-312-2118.

Hart Hall is home to many international students and some of the students may be affected by the ban.

The Oswego State women’s ice hockey team beat Potsdam 4-2 on Saturday. With the victory, the Lakers finish out their regular season with a 11-12-2 overall record and 7-8-1 in SUNYAC play. The Bears drop to 12-11-2 overall.

During a busy first period for both teams, the Lakers took only four minutes to get on the scoreboard. Natalie Giglio was credited with the goal off an assist from Olivia Ellis. Potsdam scored the next two goals but that would be all that got past Oswego’s Mariah Madrigal for the remainder of the game. She stopped 25 shots during her time in the net.

Tied at two after one period, Oswego dominated on the offensive side of the puck. The team tacked on another two goals off the sticks of Philomena Teggart and Sarah Grupp.

Oswego will begin play in the NEWHL Championship next Saturday against Buffalo State. Puck drop is scheduled for 3 pm in Buffalo.