Concerns rise for international students at U of M, nationwide
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Several University of Memphis international students are facing status concerns, as fears are growing for students at universities nationwide.
According to University of Memphis leaders, five international students had records terminated — a move that impacts their immigration status. This is all over SEVIS records, also known as 'Student and Exchange Visitor Program.'
Because of these terminations, those five students are not in legal status with the Department of Homeland Security.
Across the country, this is happening to more than 1,000 international students and recent graduates, not just at the U of M.
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At Lemoyne-Owen College, leaders say one student's F-1 status was terminated. Now it's unclear whether this involves deportation.
One lawyer, who is representing 150 students nationwide, has filed a lawsuit, saying ICE is illegally interfering.
'The law here is crystal clear, and that's what makes it even more frustrating. The government knows what they did is wrong. They know that. They just don't care,' said Lawyer Charles Kuck.
This has led to rallies across the country, like one at Georgia State, calling on ICE to stay off campuses.
We will keep you updated as this story develops and as we learn more from our local universities.
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