Penn State responds after international students’ visas revoked

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (WTAJ) — Penn State offered guidance to international students Tuesday after several had their visas revoked by the government.

In a letter, Penn State Global Interim Vice Provost Sabine Klahr said the university was aware of some international students who had their status in the U.S. terminated.

“We want you to know that international students, scholars, and faculty at Penn State are valued
members of our campus community. Penn State is committed to supporting and assisting you,” Klahr said.

Klahr offered a list of guidelines for students, scholars and faculty with university sponsored visas such as carrying an updated ID at all times and what to do if approached by ICE or other law enforcement officers. Penn State also encouraged students to reach out to student legal services.

This came after colleges across the U.S. reported cases of international students suddenly learning their visas had been quietly terminated, with little to no explanation.

According to The Associated Press, Harvard, Stanford, Michigan, UCLA and Ohio State University all had students discover that their legal status was terminated. Many college officials and students said they found out when they checked a federal database and saw changes to an individual’s immigration status.

Education leaders expressed concern about arrests and revocations that could lead to a drop in international education in the United States.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.