Trump visa crackdown hits elite universities, sparks outcry
Donald Trump has revoked visas for many students at elite American universities, causing concern among the academic community and civil rights advocates.
What you need to know
- Many student visas have been revoked at prestigious American universities such as Stanford and UCLA, generating anxiety within the academic community.
- Visa revocation decisions are often unjustified and unexpected, increasing uncertainty among students and university staff.
- Many universities offer legal assistance and emotional support to help students affected by the Trump administration's decision.
Students lose visas
Donald Trump revoked visas for students from prestigious American universities like Stanford and UCLA. This decision surprised the academic community and raised alarms among civil rights advocates. Many universities, including Stanford, have seen students and alumni suddenly lose their legal status.
Universities worry that the Trump administration’s new measures will deter international students from studying in the USA, potentially affecting the financial health of higher education institutions due to a loss of tuition revenue. Officials from universities such as UCLA have confirmed that the visa revocations have impacted students involved in the Optional Practical Training program.
Tension is rising
Students and universities are troubled by the lack of transparency in visa revocation decisions. Many institutions, like UC San Diego, offer their students legal and emotional support. University officials are surprised and deeply concerned by these sudden decisions, which are causing uncertainty for other non-U.S. students.
Many universities, including the University of California, warn that these actions are unprecedented and unexplained. "The university discovered the visa revocations during a routine check of the SEVIS database," reported the institution. Chancellor Julio Frenk confirmed that the federal government revoked visas for six current students and alumni at UCLA.
The Trump administration's visa policy
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that more than 300 student visas were revoked, citing connections to protests and "potential criminal activities". However, in many instances, no further explanation was given. Students and universities frequently learn about visa revocations only when attempting to travel or apply for work permits.
These actions are part of a new phase of immigration policy enforcement, forcing affected students to leave the country.
