NEW BRUNSWICK -- The presidents of Princeton and Rutgers universities joined more than 40 other college leaders Thursday in urging President Donald Trump to rescind his executive order banning immigration from seven majority-Muslim countries. 

The college presidents wrote a letter to Trump telling him that his order threatens American higher education and the defining principles of the country. 

"The order specifically prevents talented, law-abiding students and scholars from the affected regions from reaching our campuses," the college presidents wrote. "American higher education has benefited tremendously from this country's long history of embracing immigrants from around the world."

The letter follows a protest by hundreds of Rutgers students Tuesday and pledges by both Rutgers President Robert Barchi and Princeton President Chris Eisbruber to assist and protect all students, regardless of their immigration status. 

About 17,000 U.S. college students are from the seven nations -- Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen -- affected by Trump's order.

The president limited citizens of those countries from entering the U.S. for at least 90 days, saying it will protect Americans from terrorism until more extreme vetting measures can be put in place. 

Trump's order forced colleges to scramble to help both students and faculty from those countries who were traveling and left stranded. Rutgers on Monday said it had students, researchers and professors from the affected counties who were traveling over the weekend. 

The letter to Trump says the order unfairly targets predominately Muslim countries and is inconsistent with America's principles and greatest traditions. American colleges welcome Muslim students from all countries, the college presidents wrote. 

"Their vibrant contributions to our institutions and our country exemplify the value of the religious diversity that has been a hallmark of American freedom since this country's founding," the college presidents wrote. "The American dream depends on continued fidelity to that value."

Adam Clark may be reached at adam_clark@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on twitter at @realAdamClark. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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