The increasing number of colleges and universities across the United States is reporting unexpected repetition of visas of international students, which has increased the government’s investigation. This change in policy has left the students insecure for detention and exile, with institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, Michigan, UCLA and Ohio State University.
Due to cancellation
The reasons behind these recreation vary, but some students have been targeted for pro-felist activism or their participation in speech. For example, Mahmood Khalil, a Green Card holder and leader of the protest at Columbia University, was detained. However, other students have also taken away their visas without connections for protest, sometimes due to previous violations such as traffic violations.
Impact on international students
Many college officials and students only discover changes in immigration status while examining the federal database. International students usually receive F -1 visa after meeting specific requirements, including showing financial aid and the remaining in good educational positions. The student and exchange visitor program under the Homeland Security Department oversees their legal status.
Concern with leaders of higher education
Leaders of higher education are concerned that these reconstructions may have a cool effect on international education in the US. According to Sarah Spreeter, vice -president of government relations in the American Council in Education, the lack of clarity around the deliberations creates fear among students.
“Very public action is being done around some of these students by the Ice and Homeland Security Department … This is usually not done until a student visa is canceled, there is no security issue,” Spreitzer said. “The risk of removing this very quickly is something that is new.”
Institutional reactions
The college is seeking answers from the federal government and advising the students to take their passports and immigration documents. Massachusetts University Boston Chancellor Marcello Suarez-Orozko spoke to the Associated Press about the need for preparations and safety in these “unprecedented times”.
“These are unprecedented times, and our general guiding principles are being challenged to live in a democratic society,” said Suarez-Orozko. “With the rate and depth of changes that we should consider how we give the best preparation, safety and response.”
Affected institutions and students
Several institutions including Harvard have canceled the visa among their students. Harvard discovered the issue during a regular record review, but the reason behind the rebellion is not clear.
The Harvard International Office said, “Harvard gave deep importance to international students and scholars who travel here to learn and grow.” “The talent that brings to the campus every day enhances our ability to pursue world -class discovery … creating positive relationships and discourses that expand the horizons of the people in our community.”