Editor’s Note: The story was last updated at 5:25 p.m. April 10. We’re working to continue updating with information.
UTA confirmed Thursday that 27 students had been impacted by the federal government’s recent efforts to terminate visas, according to a universitywide email.
The university does not have specifics behind the decisions to revoke visas, President Jennifer Cowley said in the statement. The announcement follows various universities statewide confirming that their international students have experienced a change in their visa status.
UTA officials are contacting affected students to provide information and support based on each student’s circumstance and preference, a university spokesperson said in an email.
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Visa revocation and legal status termination are not the same, according to a policy brief by the American Immigration Lawyers Association. If a person’s visa is revoked by the U.S. Department of State, only their ability to reenter the U.S. is affected. Revocation does not impact the nonimmigrant’s status or require them to immediately depart from the country.
Individuals with expired student visas can remain in the U.S. past the date listed on their visa, so long as they continue renewing their status, according to the brief.
The Department of State can revoke a student’s visa if they fail to maintain its terms, which can include an insufficient course load or working without authorization, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a press briefing March 28 that the Department of State has revoked more than 300 visas, which include both student and visitor visas. Rubio also ordered diplomats to scour visa applicants’ social media postings using artificial intelligence-assisted reviews.
While immigration officers have arrested international students related to their involvement in pro-Palestinian causes, President Donald Trump’s administration did not provide reasons for recent attempts to strip visas, sparking confusion as to why students are being targeted.
Multiple international students at Texas universities have experienced a change in their visa status without being provided a reason.
Texas A&M University confirmed Thursday that the Trump administration revoked 19 students’ legal status, according to The Battalion. On Wednesday, 27 University of North Texas students’ visas were revoked, according to the North Texas Daily. Also, 19 UT Dallas students’ visas were terminated, according to The Retrograde.
While UT Austin confirmed multiple international students were affected by the visa revocation, the university did not confirm an exact number, according to The Daily Texan.
UTA is working closely with national associations, Cowley said in her statement. The American Council on Education, along with 15 higher education associations, sent a letter requesting a briefing to better understand agency policy and any planned actions related to international students.
International students must obtain one of three types of visas to study in the U.S., according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- The F-1 visa is granted to international students enrolled full-time at accredited campuses
- Those with M-1 visas attend vocational and other nonacademic programs
- The J-1 visa is authorized for students participating in exchange visitor programs
Host universities and the federal government oversee information on student visa status and track their legal residency status through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System database. In 2023, UTA had 9,662 active visa records, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement data.
Office of International Education staff members are also monitoring the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System daily to identify new changes to students’ statuses and ensure timely outreach, Cowley said.
“International students are and will remain valued members of the Maverick community. We have a long history of welcoming students from all over the world,” she said.
UTA has not received reports of federal ICE or Customs and Border Protection officers being present on campus, said Brandon Wright, Student Success and Transitions assistant vice president, in an email to international students Monday.
Students can utilize free Counseling and Psychological Services for confidential mental health support. The Office of Talent, Culture and Engagement offers an Employee Assistance Program to provide confidential resources and support for faculty and staff.
University administration, along with the executive orders/federal change task force led by Shelby Boseman, Office of Legal Affairs chief legal officer, will continue to monitor and assess the situation, providing updates should there be additional implications for the UTA community, Cowley said.
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