Confusion and worry are growing at California colleges after the Trump administration unexpectedly canceled many international student visas. At least 83 visas have been revoked across the University of California and California State University systems, as well as at Stanford University.
UCLA announced that 12 visas were canceled, affecting six current students and six recent graduates. Chancellor Julio Frenk stated that the university was not informed in advance about these changes. The cancellations were discovered during a routine check of an immigration database linked to the Department of Homeland Security. The government adjusted the students’ visa statuses without prior notice, leading to the terminations.
Frenk emphasized that the terminations were due to alleged violations of visa terms. However, he noted that UCLA had not seen any federal law enforcement activity on campus related to these visa cancellations. He expressed understanding of the anxiety this situation may cause among the university’s immigrant and international community, assuring them of support.
UC Santa Cruz reported that three of its students also had their visas terminated without warning. Chancellor Cynthia Larive mentioned that the federal government has not provided clear reasons for these actions and that the university is in contact with affected students to offer assistance.
Other campuses, including UC Berkeley, Davis, San Diego, and Riverside, as well as Stanford, have reported similar cancellations. At UC San Diego, one student was detained for deportation at the border. A UC official indicated that students at UC Irvine were also impacted, but further details were not available.
The cancellations stem from changes made in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which the government uses to track international students’ enrollment and compliance with visa rules. CSU officials confirmed that at least 32 students across their campuses have had their visas revoked, though they did not specify which campuses were affected.
Students without valid visas face potential immigration enforcement actions. While federal authorities typically only detain individuals considered a public danger or flight risk, the Trump administration has taken more aggressive actions in recent years. Schools have not reported any federal immigration presence on their campuses.
In response to the situation, two anonymous students filed lawsuits against the Trump administration, claiming their visa statuses were terminated illegally. One student argued that their only legal issues were minor traffic violations, while the other cited a similar minor offense.
Campus leaders are scrambling to determine how many students have been affected. For instance, UC Berkeley initially reported four visa cancellations but later revised that number to six. Officials at USC have not confirmed any cancellations, despite having a large international student population.
In total, the visa revocations have impacted numerous students across various California colleges, including undergraduates, graduates, and those on practical training visas. Nationally, similar actions have occurred at several universities, including Harvard and Columbia.
The reasons behind the recent visa cancellations remain unclear. Some reports suggest they may be linked to students’ interactions with law enforcement, including minor offenses. This has raised concerns among students and faculty about the potential for arbitrary enforcement.
As the situation unfolds, students at UCLA and other campuses are receiving support and guidance on how to deal with immigration issues. Faculty members have called for the university to take stronger measures to protect international students and ensure their ability to continue their education.