Los Angeles, California – Confusion and concern grip California colleges as officials scramble to address the unexpected cancellation of dozens of international student visas by the Trump administration. The visas of at least 45 students and recent graduates in California have been affected, causing turmoil and uncertainty on campuses across the state.
The actions by federal authorities caught college officials off guard, with UCLA confirming the revocation of visas for 12 community members. Chancellor Julio Frenk acknowledged that the government did not notify UCLA ahead of time and that the terminations were due to violations of visa program terms. Additionally, UC Santa Cruz reported the termination of three students’ visas without advance notice.
Other UC campuses, including Berkeley, Davis, and San Diego, as well as Stanford, also announced student visa cancellations. The sudden changes have left school leaders scrambling to determine the full extent of the impact on international students. Officials at USC, home to the largest concentration of international students in California, have not confirmed any visa cancellations on their campus.
Students and faculty leaders are mobilizing to support those affected, providing guidance on dealing with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and offering legal aid. The UCLA Task Force on Anti-Palestinian, Anti-Arab, and Anti-Muslim Racism has called on the university chancellor to take action to protect international students and ensure due process is followed.
The Trump administration’s reasons for revoking the visas remain unclear, with some speculating that recent interactions with law enforcement, even minor offenses, could be a factor. The State Department has emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for non-citizens who violate U.S. laws, leading to potential visa refusal, revocation, and deportation. The Department of State continues to work with the Department of Homeland Security to enforce immigration laws.
As the situation unfolds, students and faculty are working together to navigate the challenges posed by the sudden visa cancellations. Amidst the uncertainty and anxiety, efforts are underway to provide support and resources to those impacted, ensuring that they have the assistance they need during this difficult time.