International students at several Utah universities had their visas revoked — Here’s what we know

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — A spokesperson for the University of Utah confirmed that about 20 international students or graduates have had their visas revoked as of April 9.

The U of U reports a total of 3,733 students on F-1 visas and 371 students on J-1 visas (including those on a temporary OPT work program). According to the university, some reasons for students’ visas being revoked included a criminal record check or “failure to maintain nonimmigrant status.”

“As a public institution of higher education, the University of Utah follows state and federal law,” the university said in a statement to ABC4.com. “We are currently in a period of enhanced immigration enforcement.”

The University of Utah was not the only Utah institution impacted by the enhanced enforcement. Utah Valley University confirmed with ABC4.com three of its students had been impacted while Snow College confirmed two students were affected. Weber State University said it had five students affected.

Utah Tech University reported nine students suddenly had their visas revoked — four of which were supposed to graduate in the coming weeks — and Southern Utah University reported that nine of its students were “impacted by the recent SEVIS changes.” Meanwhile, Utah State University confirmed that its international students were impacted, but did not confirm how many in order to protect the privacy of those affected.

President Donald Trump has previously said he would deport foreign students with connections to pro-Palestinian protests. Recently, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said international students may be targeted for their suspected involvement in those protests across college campuses or if they are connected to “potential criminal activity,” the Associated Press reports.

In addition to having their visas revoked, U of U students have had their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records terminated. SEVIS records track and monitor the status of non-immigrant students and exchange visitors in the United States and are maintained by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The University of Utah said international students may have their SEVIS records terminated or their visas revoked during any school year if they have been arrested or charged with criminal activity — including allegations of domestic violence or driving under the influence.

“What is different currently is that records are being terminated in SEVIS sometimes without notice to the university and/or the student,” the university said.

U of U is one of many institutions across the country — including Harvard, Stanford, and more — that is reporting international students’ visas being revoked.

A University of Utah spokesperson shared an email with ABC4.com that has been sent out to the institution’s international students and scholars. The email explains that “all F-1 and J-1 students and scholars must remain in good standing and take proactive steps to preserve their visa status.”

The email continues, offering students information about how to maintain their lawful F-1 or J-1 visa status — which includes maintaining full-time enrollment or employment, following all laws, complying with university policies, and keeping immigration documents “valid and readily accessible.”

Students have been advised to carry a copy of their I-94 record, visa documentation, or passport stamps to demonstrate their lawful status. Students have also been advised against non-essential international travel. More information about the university’s policies for student visas is available online.

The Associated Press and Sorina Trauntvein contributed to this report.