California University Students and Alumni: More Than 36 Visas Revoked—What You Need to Know!

Several California universities are facing a sudden wave of visa revocations for international students and alumni. Recently, Stanford University disclosed that six members of its community lost their visas, including four students and two recent graduates.

The university learned about these changes during a standard review of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System database. They have reached out to the affected students and offered them legal support.

This is not an isolated incident. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that over 300 student visas have been revoked recently. Many of these cases seem to target foreign students involved in political activism. This trend follows a troubling pattern, as several scholars with pro-Palestinian views have faced detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

In just one week, more than three dozen students and graduates from various California schools had their visas revoked. The University of California system, the largest public university system in the state, acknowledged that many campuses have been affected but did not provide specific numbers for privacy reasons. They are actively monitoring the situation and committed to supporting their community members during this period of uncertainty.

UC Berkeley confirmed that six students, including two undergraduates, two graduate students, and two alumni, experienced visa revocations. Notably, the alumni held visas under the STEM Optional Practical Training Extension program, which allows international students to work in their fields for an additional two years.

Other campuses are also dealing with similar situations. UC San Diego announced that five students were affected, while UC Davis reported seven students and five recent graduates lost their visas. The administration at UC Davis acknowledged the distress this situation has caused and is keeping a close watch on its developments.

Furthermore, UC Irvine and UCLA have reported that multiple students from their campuses have faced visa termination as well, although specific numbers have not been disclosed. UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk expressed support for international students, recognizing the anxiety and uncertainty these changes bring.

This crackdown has sparked significant reactions on social media. Many users expressed concern, solidarity, and frustration over the treatment of international students, highlighting the importance of their contributions to the academic community.

As the situation evolves, the broader implications for international students in the U.S. remain uncertain. This trend mirrors historical actions during times of political tension, where changes in immigration policy often led to uncertainty for foreign students—reminding us that the relationship between education and immigration is delicate and often influenced by the surrounding political climate.

For more insights about visa revocations and how they are affecting students across the country, visit NBC News.

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