22-04-2025
Congressman Cleo Fields demands answers after Southern University students lose visas
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Congressman Cleo Fields (D-La.) is demanding answers from federal officials after eight international students at Southern University had their visas revoked without clear explanation.
In a letter sent Tuesday, Fields called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons to provide transparency over the visa terminations and consider reinstating the students' legal status pending a full investigation.
'The sudden termination of these students' legal status without clear justification not only threatens their academic careers but also undermines our nation's reputation as a welcoming place for global scholarship,' Fields said in a statement. 'Such decisions demand immediate review and full transparency.'
Fields urged immigration officials to confirm whether any alleged violations occurred and to ensure that immigration actions reflect due process and American values.
Southern University, a historically Black university, has not publicly commented on the revocations. Fields emphasized the university's tradition of fostering cultural exchange and international collaboration.
The situation in Louisiana comes amid a broader immigration crackdown by the Trump administration. Nationwide, more than 1,000 international students at over 160 colleges have had their legal status terminated in recent weeks, according to an Associated Press review. Students say they've received little to no explanation, prompting panic and lawsuits across multiple states.
Federal officials have cited criminal records or protests of U.S. foreign policy—particularly demonstrations against Israel's war in Gaza—as possible justifications for the revocations. But legal advocates, including the American Civil Liberties Union, say many students affected have no criminal history and were not given due process.
Fields' letter follows a growing chorus of criticism from college leaders and immigration attorneys who argue the mass terminations are legally questionable and disproportionately harm students following all established rules.
Louisiana First News has contacted Southern University for comment.
The Associated Press and The Hill, Louisiana First News' news partner, contributed to this report.
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