Several University of Massachusetts international students have visas revoked

The University of Massachusetts Amherst revealed on Friday that five international students enrolled at the school have had their visas revoked by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). UMass Chancellor Javier Reyes announced this disheartening news in a letter posted on the university website, expressing his regret for sharing such troubling information late on a Friday evening.

According to Reyes, the university was not informed of the visa changes for the students, and only became aware of the revocations through proactive checks in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database. He emphasized that the university will continue to monitor SEVIS for any further updates regarding the affected students.

UMass Amherst, being the largest in the state’s public university system, plays a significant role in international student education. This recent development has raised concerns among students and faculty alike.

In a similar vein, President Edward Inch of Minnesota State University in Mankato disclosed earlier this week that five international students at the university also faced visa revocations. The discovery was made following a database check of international student statuses after a Turkish student at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis was detained over a drunken driving conviction.

Several other colleges across the country, including Arizona State, Cornell, North Carolina State, the University of Oregon, the University of Texas, and the University of Colorado, have reported instances of international student visas being revoked without prior notice.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted last week that students are being targeted for their involvement in protests and potential criminal activities. Recent incidents involving students like Mahmoud Khalil at Columbia University and Rumeysa Ozturk at Tufts University have further intensified concerns about the treatment of international students in the U.S.

Mahmoud Khalil was arrested for his participation in anti-Israel protests and alleged support of Hamas, while Rumeysa Ozturk was taken into custody by immigration officers after writing an anti-Israel op-ed for the campus newspaper. These incidents have sparked debates about freedom of expression and the treatment of international students on American campuses.

The Department of Homeland Security cited significant national security concerns in the case of Alireza Doroudi, an Iranian doctoral student at the University of Alabama whose visa was revoked in 2023. Despite his revoked visa, he was allowed to remain in the U.S. as a student, according to his lawyer.

Overall, the recent wave of visa revocations among international students has raised questions about the enforcement of immigration policies and the impact on academic freedom. As universities grapple with these challenges, it is essential to prioritize the well-being and rights of all students, regardless of their nationality.