Introduction to the Visa Revocation Issue
The visas of nearly 20 Florida International University students have been revoked, part of the Trump Administration’s recent effort to terminate the visas of international students across the country.
FIU officials confirmed Friday that the F1 visas of 18 students were terminated between March 25 and April 10. They did not provide specific information.
Background on F-1 Visas
F-1 visas allow non-citizens to enter the United States as full-time students at accredited educational institutions. To qualify, people must meet certain criteria, including approval from ICE. They also must have proficiency in English or enroll in courses that lead to it. Students must have sufficient funds to support themselves during the entire course of study.
Reaction to the Visa Revocation
"It’s part of a larger pattern where hundreds of students are having their student visas revoked—some because of, you know, petty things like a traffic infraction, but most of the time because of an assault on their First Amendment rights," said Thomas Kennedy of the Florida Immigrant Coalition. "It’s just a disgrace that these students are having their university studies, their university careers, cut short because of this," Kennedy said.
Details of the Affected Students
Eleven of the 18 visas revoked are current students, and seven are recent graduates on optional practical training, or o-p-t. OPT is a period when students with F-1 status are permitted by the government to receive practical training to complement their field of study. "It’s extremely—like I said, un-American. We’re supposed to be better than this," Kennedy said.
Cooperation Agreement with ICE
Additionally, FIU, along with other Florida universities, signed a cooperation agreement with ICE to use campus police for immigration enforcement.
Conclusion
The revocation of visas for these 18 Florida International University students reflects a broader trend of increased scrutiny and enforcement against international students in the United States. This action not only affects the students’ educational pursuits but also their future career prospects. The impact of such policies on the educational and professional lives of international students cannot be overstated, and it raises significant concerns about the freedom and opportunities that the United States offers to students from around the world.
FAQs
- Q: What type of visa were the students using?
- A: The students were using F-1 visas, which allow non-citizens to enter the United States as full-time students at accredited educational institutions.
- Q: How many students were affected by the visa revocation?
- A: 18 students had their F-1 visas revoked.
- Q: What is optional practical training (OPT)?
- A: OPT is a period when students with F-1 status are permitted by the government to receive practical training to complement their field of study.
- Q: Why were the visas revoked?
- A: The specific reasons for the revocation were not provided, but according to the Florida Immigrant Coalition, it’s part of a larger pattern that includes revocations for petty infractions and assaults on First Amendment rights.
- Q: What is the impact of the visa revocation on the students?
- A: The revocation cuts short the students’ university studies and careers, affecting their educational and professional futures.
