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“That’s one we asked the administration for more information. We’ve asked them to give us a little bit of a heads up when these things are happening,” he said. “We would like to understand better what the criteria are for those changes. Certainly, we know that there were some that had criminal backgrounds that we were not aware of, that the universities were not aware of. Others, that does not appear to be the case, and so we would very much like to figure that out.”
Cox detailed the importance of attracting the “most talented and brightest” to study in the U.S., but also the need to vet those who come to the U.S. for their education.
“That’s an area for sure where we’re having ongoing dialogue. We want to make sure that some of these very, very bright students that are here, as long as they’re here, they don’t pose any threat or have any criminal background, we want to continue to attract those students,” he said.
Utah Tech students gather to support classmates losing visas
On Wednesday evening, Utah Tech University students hosted a dialogue event, discussing the issues impacting international students after learning that multiple classmates had their student visas revoked.
Utah Tech is one of several schools across the state reporting that international students are having their visas revoked following a recent national crackdown on foreign students. The university reported that ten students had their visas revoked, four meant to graduate in the coming weeks.
Earlier in the week, Utah Tech University held an early graduation for the students who were impacted. On Wednesday, a Q&A was held to stand in solidarity with these students, as well as have an open conversation.
“I think it’s important to highlight that students care for other students,” said Bella Estes, the event co-organizer. “It has absolutely made my entire week knowing that students were able to put this together to support their classmates, to support their friends, and to show that we are a university that is here to support other students, advocate for all students no matter what.”
Estes said that the event helped to advocate and get the word out regarding the situation. She said anonymous letters from impacted students were read to share their perspective and emotions. Another student, she shared, made a GoFundMe to help students now looking to find a way back home.
There was also someone from the international office to help answer questions students may have.
“A lot of people are confused right now. We don’t know what’s going on. It’s difficult — who do you go to to find the right answer, so this was a great opportunity for students to get to know and hear from other students and someone who may have the answers to their questions,” she said.
Several universities in Utah report students being impacted as well, including at the University of Utah, Southern Utah University, Weber State University, Utah Valley University, Snow College, and Utah State University. Between the colleges, the number of international students impacted in Utah is nearly 50.
Utah Tech Students with revoked visas weren’t given a specific reason for the cancellation, but University of Utah leaders say the government cited “failure to maintain nonimmigrant status.“
“It happened very quickly, and there’s a lot of unknown. For some people, it may be a fear of politics. For other people, it may be a fear that one of their best friends has to leave instantly. For others, it might just be the fear of not knowing what’s going on … I think a lot of students are experiencing a different level of emotions right now,” Estes said.
Why are international students’ visas being revoked?
During any school year, an international student’s visa may be revoked if they are found to be breaking the law or disobeying certain policies.
According to a report from the Associated Press, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said international students may be targeted for their suspected involvement in pro-Palestinian protests across college campuses or if they are connected to “potential criminal activity.”
The University of Utah says that international students’ Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records being terminated or their visas being revoked is not new in itself, but the practice is being approached differently than in the past.
“What is different currently is that records are being terminated in SEVIS sometimes without notice to the university and/or the student,” U of U said in a statement.
What is a student visa?
In the United States, international students can obtain an F-1 visa or a J-1 visa. Both have different restrictions and requirements. Another option is an M-1 visa for vocational students.
Students on an F-1 or M-1 visa must be enrolled full-time in an “academic” educational, language-training, or vocational program at an approved institution, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigrant Services (USCIS).
Students on an F-1 or M-1 visa must be proficient in English, or be in courses that lead them to English proficiency, as well as be able to financially support themselves during their studies. These visas include certain work restrictions.
A J-1 visa classifies someone as an “exchange visitor,” according to USCIS. This classification is authorized for people who are participating in approved programs designed for teaching, researching, training, demonstrating special skills, and more.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says that Form I-20 is “critically important to nonimmigrant students.” This form is issued to nonimmigrant students after they are accepted into their educational program and can only be issued to the student by the institution.
What’s next for international students?
Some Utah schools are reminding their international students and scholars to remain in good standing to preserve their status. At the U of U, students have been advised to keep their immigration documents “valid and readily accessible.”
The University of Utah also directed international students toward some national organizations that can offer information and guidance, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Immigration Legal Resource Center, National Immigration Law Center, and the Immigration Advocates Network.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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