Home > About ISTSS > Press ISTSS Statement on US Travel Restriction Policy For Immediate Release ISTSS Issues Statement on U.S. Travel Restriction Policy CHICAGO, IL, July 11, 2017 – The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) is the leading global organization that promotes the advancement and exchange of knowledge about severe stress and trauma. Members of ISTSS include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurses, counselors, researchers, administrators, advocates, journalists, clergy, and others from around the world with an interest in the study and treatment of traumatic stress. The ISTSS Annual Meeting, which is hosted in North America, brings together over 1,100 scientists, clinicians, public health workers, administrators, trainees, and advocates from over 40 countries to exchange scientific knowledge and expertise in the field. This meeting provides a forum for the sharing of research, clinical strategies, public policy concerns and theoretical formulations on trauma around the world. We are concerned that the recent executive order on visas and immigration issued by the current U.S. administration will discourage leading global scientists, clinicians, trainees, and partners from attending scientific conferences in the U.S., such as the one hosted by ISTSS. Given our mission and the importance of our global community, ISTSS urges the U.S. government to enact balanced public policies that protect national security, while also promoting global scientific exchange. As trauma exposure is a global public health issue, it is essential to have international partner’s working together to address this problem. As the leading global multidisciplinary professional organization on traumatic stress, we are dedicated to research and clinical excellence, promoting innovation, ensuring we are a financially strong organization with a diverse and engaged membership, and increasing our global impact. The open exchange of information and ideas among scholars around the world, including through participation at our Annual Meeting, is essential to advancing the global traumatic stress field by promoting scientific advances and increasing clinical excellence in the care of those with trauma related disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). ISTSS is an international interdisciplinary professional organization that promotes advancement and exchange of knowledge about traumatic stress. # # #