Dozens of international University of Utah students had visas revoked
President's Circle on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City is pictured on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)
Amid a nationwide wave of student visa cancellations, 18 University of Utah international students and recent graduates had their visas revoked and their records from a federal Student and Exchange Visitor Information System terminated, many without notice.
It's a staggering number, if compared to other high-profile campuses, like Columbia University, which has been aggressively targeted by the Trump Administration for their big pro-Palestine protests, and has reported the termination of four student visas.
The Utah revocations may have also come as a surprise to the U. students, since none of them were flagged for participating in protests, a University of Utah spokesperson said. The stated reasons, according to the University, 'include 'failure to maintain nonimmigrant status' and/or criminal record check.'
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Other public university students across the state have also been affected by the recent cancellations, The Salt Lake Tribune first reported. The Department of Homeland Security terminated the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records of five Weber State University students. SEVIS is a DHS program that contains and oversees the essential information of students with different types of student visas, in addition to other work programs for recent graduates.
It's still unclear whether the termination of those records means the visas are revoked, a Weber State University spokesperson said.
The Utah System of Higher Education declined to comment on the students' issues with their academic permits.
At Utah Tech, nine students had their I-20s canceled, a public information officer said. That's a document issued by schools that certifies a student's eligibility to study in the country.
At Salt Lake Community College, three students had their visas revoked; at Snow College, two students were impacted; and three Utah Valley University students were also affected, spokespeople for the institutions said on Wednesday. While Utah State University students have been affected, the school declined to provide exact numbers to protect the students' privacy.
Most higher education institutions haven't released much information on the circumstances surrounding the terminations, since cases are still recent and uncertain.
However, Utah's flagship university had some more details as of Wednesday morning. Approximately half of the students are from China, a spokesperson said in an email. The other half are from several countries including India and some Middle Eastern countries.
Similar actions from the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State are routine, the spokesperson said.
'Over the course of any school year, international students may have their visas revoked or SEVIS records terminated as the result of an arrest or being charged with criminal activity,' the spokesperson said. Those activities may include domestic violence allegations or driving under the influence.
Utah News Dispatch hasn't been able to obtain additional details about the affected students. However, according to the Tribune, most of them don't have criminal records while some have had received traffic infractions.
But, what's new is that SEVIS records are being terminated without any notification to the university or students. Many institutions have noticed the cancellations in routine checks of the system to verify students' status.
'As a public institution of higher education, the University of Utah follows state and federal law. We are currently in a period of enhanced immigration enforcement,' the spokesperson said. 'We are sharing guidance with our international students and scholars about the ways they can stay in good standing and maintain their visa status.'
In an email sent to international students, the U. advised to take proactive steps to preserve their visa status.
'While there have been no changes to immigration laws at this time, it is important to note that modifications can occur with little notice,' the university's International Students and Scholar Services office wrote.
Other instructions also include avoiding nonessential international travel, maintaining full-time enrollment or, for recent graduates, employment; following all laws 'including those related to alcohol, drug use, driving, and participation in public gatherings,' and keeping all immigration documents valid and readily accessible.
'It is recommended that you carry copies of your I-94 record, visa documentation, or passport stamps that demonstrate your lawful status,' the email reads.
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