West Virginia University students hang out in front of the Mountainlair student union building in Morgantown during the first day of fall 2016 classes.
West Virginia University students hang out in front of the Mountainlair student union building in Morgantown during the first day of fall 2016 classes.
Gazette-Mail file photo
HUNTINGTON — Several international students at West Virginia universities have had their student visas revoked or their records terminated this year in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, according to university officials.
According to Shauna Johnson, director of news communications at West Virginia University, nine students so far have been notified of terminations as of Thursday. Three students and three alumni at the Morgantown campus and three students at the WVU Institute of Technology in Beckley had their records terminated.
In all cases, Johnson said the justification provided was that their “name [was] found in [a] criminal records check.â€
“WVU is working directly with students affected by U.S. federal government decisions to revoke student visas and terminate records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System or SEVIS,†Johnson said in an email.
She said no WVU students have received orders for removal, which are different from and occur after visa terminations.
The Marshall University campus in Huntington is shown on Oct. 19, 2022.
FILE PHOTO | HD Media
Leah Payne, director of communications at Marshall University, said one student at the university so far this school year has had their visa revoked. Payne did not provide the reasoning for the revocation.
Payne said Marshall will not comment further about the issue.
Marshall University President Brad D. Smith sent a message to students this week regarding “changes in immigration policy†that have affected international college students.
“As has been recently reported, changes in federal immigration policy have resulted in the revocation of immigration status for certain international students at institutions across the county, including Marshall,†Smith said in the email.
“Our Office of Global Education and International Student Services has been working closely with our international student population, offering support and resources to help navigate this unexpected transition. In keeping with our values of compassion and care, we are providing every support available to them and will continue to do so.â€
Other W.Va. colleges/universities
Officials at West Virginia State University and the University of ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä said no students at those institutions have had their visas or status changed. Fairmont State University shared the same information.
“To date, there have been no changes to the visa status of any Fairmont State University student, nor have any records been terminated,†said the statement provided by Keely Stiles, assistant director of communications. “We remain committed to providing a supportive learning environment for our international students, while complying with all laws and regulations.â€
Why is this happening?
The Associated Press reported earlier this month that there has been a “crackdown†on student visas that’s worrying college officials who think it’ll keep international students from wanting to study at their schools.
“Some students have been targeted over pro-Palestinian activism or criminal infractions — or even traffic violations. Others have been left wondering how they ran afoul of the government,†the AP reported.
Data collected by Inside Higher Ed shows, as of April 11, more than 790 international students and graduates had their legal status changed by the State Department, according to reports from more than 150 colleges and universities nationwide.
CLICK HERE to follow the ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä Gazette-Mail and receive
