HUNTINGTON Ƶ Several international students at West Virginia universities have had their student visas revoked or their records terminated 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, April 10.
Three students and three alumni at the Morgantown campus and three students at the ƵU Institute of Technology in Beckley had their records terminated.
In all cases, Johnson said the justification provided was ƵName found in criminal records check.Ƶ
ƵƵU 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,Ƶ Johnson said in an email.
She said no ƵU students have received orders for removal this year.
Leah Payne, director of communications at Marshall University, said one student at the university so far has had their visa revoked. Payne did not provide the reasoning for the revocation.
Payne said, at this time, Marshall will not be participating in interviews about the issue.
Marshall University President Brad D. Smith sent out a message to students this week regarding Ƶchanges in immigration policyƵ that have affected international college students.
ƵƵ 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,Ƶ Smith said in the email.
ƵOur 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.Ƶ
Officials at Fairmont State University said in a written statement on Friday that so far, students have not been affected by visa changes.
ƵTo date, there have been no changes to the visa status of any Fairmont State University student, nor have any records been terminated,Ƶ said the statement provided by Keely Stiles, assistant director of communications. ƵWe remain committed to providing a supportive learning environment for our international students, while complying with all laws and regulations.Ƶ
The Ƶsociated Press earlier this month that there has been a ƵcrackdownƵ on student visas thatƵs worrying college officials who think itƵll keep international students from wanting to study at their schools.
ƵSome students have been targeted over pro-Palestinian activism or criminal infractions Ƶ or even traffic violations. Others have been left wondering how they ran afoul of the government,Ƶ the AP reported.
Data collected by 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.
Katelyn Aluise is an education and court reporter.
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