Latest news with #Vicker
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
International student visas revoked at Northwest Missouri State University
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Northwest Missouri State University says that over the last week, some of their students have had their visas revoked. Northwest, which is located in Maryville, Missouri, says that 43 of their students have had their visas revoked so far. The university says that five of those visas are for current students, and the other 38 are for optional practical training students. Those students have graduated but remain in the United States for employment. The university's announcement comes just days after KC metro universities and students expressed their concern over the revocation of student visas. 'It is a situation where these students are no longer able to study in status and no longer able to work,' said Kevin Vicker, Associate Vice President of International Education at Park University. Vicker also claimed that international students with misdemeanors on their records seem to be the ones targeted at his school. For the 1.1 million international students in the U.S., their ability to stay and study is no longer guaranteed. About $1.8 billion in federal money for Cornell and Northwestern is frozen, the White House says NWMSU President Dr. Lance Tatum sent out the following release to students and staff today: 'As you may have read and seen in recent media reports, United States Citizenship Immigration Services (USCIS) is terminating the legal status of some international students attending colleges and universities. During the last week, Northwest international students have been impacted by this action. USCIS is notifying students of their visa revocations, and international affairs staff continue to track student statuses in the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). At this time, Northwest is aware of 43 students affiliated with the University whose visas have been revoked. Five of these individuals are current students, and the other 38 are optional practical training students who are graduated but remain in the U.S. for employment associated with their F1 visas. Please know this situation continues to evolve and Northwest's International Involvement Center is working directly with the impacted students to offer guidance. However, these students also are being advised that they depart the U.S. immediately to avoid accruing unlawful presence.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Revoked student visas worrying international students in Kansas City
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Hundreds of student visas across the nation have been revoked by the Trump administration, leaving many students uncertain about their future. It's not just a distant issue; it's impacting schools right here in the Kansas City area. 'It is a situation where these students are no longer able to study in status and no longer able to work,' said Kevin Vicker, Associate Vice President of International Education at Park University. For some of these students, the Department of Homeland Security has issued orders to leave the country immediately. Missouri Election Results: April municipal, school races in Kansas City Park University is not alone in facing these challenges. This action is affecting schools across the country, with 48 institutions already dealing with the fallout, according to Inside Higher Ed. Schools like Texas A&M and the University of Akron have reported similar problems. The situation is expected to grow, as many cases are still unreported. The fear and uncertainty surrounding this issue were evident during a recent Zoom call, which you'll see exclusively on FOX4. The call lasted almost 45 minutes as the school administration addressed the challenges facing international students. Vicker warned international students at Park University to be extra cautious. Making sure they have all the proper things before even leaving home, but especially if they planned on leaving the country. 'But at this point, you know, nothing is guaranteed, okay? It never has been. But it is a calculated risk that you're taking for traveling outside the US,' he said. The warning follows the recent revocation of two student visas in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. 'This is a unique situation playing out, and it can be really frustrating,' Vicker said. 'But we're here to help.' According to The Wall Street Journal, visas are being revoked without any prior warning or explanation. Kansas City metro schools to see upgrades after bonds pass in April election Vicker pointed out that international students with misdemeanors on their records seem to be the ones targeted at his school. For the 1.1 million international students in the U.S., their ability to stay and study is no longer guaranteed. 'I would carry copies of your I-20, at least copies of your I-20, your passport, visa, passport with you, so that if anything arises, you have those two to present,' Vicker advised students. 'We were checking this list every day to see if there are other students that pop through.' Though Vicker says that he has seen student visas reinstated in some cases, those students only got their visas back after legal intervention from a judge. For the two students at Park University who had their visas revoked, the school has referred them to legal counsel in hopes of finding a resolution. As this issue continues to unfold, international students are left navigating an uncertain future. The message is clear: stay vigilant, keep your documents in order, and, most importantly, be prepared for anything. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
