Introduction to the Visa Revocation Issue
The Trump administration’s higher education crackdown has reached the Bronx, with one international student’s visa revoked at CUNY Lehman College and four at Fordham University. The students are among the 1,300-plus current and recent graduates at 210 nationwide colleges that have had their visas revoked or legal status changed as of April 16, according to the trade publication Inside Higher Ed.
Background on the Revoked Visas
Citing a “troubling trend,” Fordham University said that the four students’ visas were revoked between April 4 and April 10 “with no reason provided by the Department of Homeland Security.” Neither Lehman nor CUNY officials would confirm that a Lehman student was affected, but a Lehman employee shared an April 14 email stating that a student admitted to a math graduate program had his visa revoked and “has (at best) 15 days to leave the U.S. or risk being arrested by ICE.” The student is from Jordan, according to the Lehman employee.
The Trump Administration’s Efforts
The visa pullbacks are part of the Trump administration’s effort to rid higher education of progressive “woke” ideology that it believes stifles conservative viewpoints while broadly restricting immigration into the U.S. under a slew of executive orders. For some universities, standing up to the Trump administration has meant putting their federally funded research and programs at risk. At Harvard University, the Trump administration withdrew billions in federal grants as the institution resisted demands to change its curriculum, hiring practices, admissions policies, and more.
Response from the Schools
Fordham’s website has provided updated numbers on students whose visas were revoked, but did not say where the students were from and whether they were known to have participated in pro-Palestinian protests, as was the case with some targeted by the Trump administration. The school offered support to affected students, which could include pro bono legal assistance. The university said the school and its Office of International Services will offer support and advocacy “within the bounds of the law” for any student whose visa is challenged.
Statement from Fordham University President
Amid the turmoil, “I want to make clear that Fordham remains committed to our values” as a Christian Jesuit institution of academic freedom, said President Tania Tetlow in a statement. Tetlow said that federal actions are “moving too fast” to provide updates via email and encouraged students to monitor the school’s webpage titled “Updates on Evolving Political Landscape.”
The University’s Public Stand
The university is taking a public stand against the administration’s actions. It signed onto an April 9 amicus brief, joining 85 other institutions in saying that Trump’s executive orders have “created a climate of fear” that will keep the best and brightest students away from U.S. colleges and universities, to the detriment of the country’s economy and standing in the world.
Lehman College’s Response
Lehman appears to be taking a much less public stance. According to a spokesperson, 17 students have had a change in visa status within the CUNY system. However, Lehman College’s website and social media do not mention the international student visa situation in either specific or broad terms. “CUNY is aware that some of our international students have had a change in visa status, and we have been reaching out to students to offer guidance and assistance,” the spokesperson said in a statement sent to the Bronx Times.
Student Reaction
Lehman students say they have received no communication about the Trump administration’s targeting of one of their own. Roberto, a computer science major who declined to have his last name published, told the Bronx Times he heard from advocacy groups about visas revoked within the CUNY system but had no idea it happened on his own campus. “It’s terrible. It’s really disappointing,” he said.
Conclusion
The visa revocation issue has significant implications for international students and the academic community as a whole. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential for universities and students to stay informed and take a stand against policies that threaten academic freedom and inclusivity.
FAQs
Q: How many international students have had their visas revoked in the US?
A: Over 1,300 current and recent graduates at 210 nationwide colleges have had their visas revoked or legal status changed as of April 16.
Q: Which universities have been affected by the Trump administration’s crackdown?
A: Fordham University and CUNY Lehman College are among the institutions that have had students’ visas revoked.
Q: What is the reason behind the visa revocations?
A: The Trump administration’s effort to rid higher education of progressive “woke” ideology and restrict immigration into the US.
Q: How are universities responding to the situation?
A: Some universities, like Fordham, are taking a public stand against the administration’s actions and offering support to affected students, while others, like Lehman, are taking a less public stance.
Q: What can students do to stay informed and get help?
A: Students can monitor their university’s website and social media, seek guidance from their international student office, and reach out to advocacy groups for support.
