International Students at Maryland Universities Face Visa Revocations
Several universities in Maryland, including the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD), and Johns Hopkins University (JHU), have reported that some of their international students have had their visas revoked. These revocations have raised concerns among students and university officials, with many seeking explanations from the federal government.
Visa Revocations Across Maryland Universities
UMBC discovered the visa revocations during a daily audit of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Cherie Parker, director of media relations for UMBC, stated that four students at UMBC had their visas revoked. Parker also noted that the university did not receive any prior notification or subsequent explanation from the government regarding the terminations. Despite the revocations, UMBC assured its international students that they are still able to complete their coursework and degree programs.
Johns Hopkins University reported that approximately three dozen of its graduate students and recent graduates had their F-1 visa records terminated. The university spokesperson said that as the visa sponsor, Johns Hopkins has taken required steps to inform students of the terminations and is providing a range of support services to affected students through its offices of international services, academic advising, and health and wellbeing.
The University of Maryland, College Park also confirmed that some international students had lost their visas, although they did not provide a specific number. Hafsa Siddiqi, UMD’s director of media relations, said that the university’s International Students and Scholars Services office would continue to communicate with impacted individuals to provide information specific to their situations.
National Trend of Visa Revocations
The news out of the Maryland universities follows a similar announcement from other universities across the nation. In the past weeks, the Department of Homeland Security has revoked the visas of students studying at the University of Michigan, Harvard University, and Duke University, among others. More than 180 colleges and universities have identified nearly 1,200 international students and recent graduates who have lost their visas with little or no warning.
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Potential Reasons for Visa Revocations
Johns Hopkins University officials said they have not received any information about why those student visas were revoked. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last month that he has signed letters daily to revoke student and visitor visas since taking office. Rubio stated that some revocations were due to students' actions and others were related to potential criminal activity.
Rubio said, "We are not going to be importing activists into the United States. They’re here to study. They’re here to go to class. They’re not here to lead activist movements that are disruptive and undermine … our universities. I think it’s lunacy to continue to allow that."
Despite Rubio’s comments, Johns Hopkins maintains that it has no indication that the revocations are associated with free expression activities on campus. "We have received no information about the specific basis for the revocations, and we have no indication that the revocations are associated with free expression activities on campus," Hopkins said, directing students to its immigration FAQ webpage.
UMBC also stated that neither UMBC nor the students received any prior notification or subsequent explanation from the government, so they do not know why the terminations happened.
Concerns and Reactions
The visa revocations have caused concern among international students. Richie, a graduate student at Johns Hopkins University, expressed his concerns about the situation. "It just saddens me to hear that the executive power in United States, in a democracy like this, can do such a thing, and there are no legal ways of trying to stop him," Richie said. "This is exactly what happens in authoritarian government. Growing up in China, we live in an authoritarian regime where the powerful government can do whatever things they want, and you as an individual…what can you do?"
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Richie also mentioned that his family members are nervous and anxious about what is happening, especially because they are so far away.
University Support for International Students
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the visa revocations, universities are taking steps to support their international students. Johns Hopkins University is providing a range of support services to affected students through its offices of international services, academic advising, and health and wellbeing.
UMD’s International Students and Scholars Services office will continue to communicate with impacted individuals to provide information specific to their situations.
UMBC assured its international students that they are still able to complete their coursework and degree programs.
Legal Challenges to Visa Terminations
Maryland joined 19 other states in a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's "Ideological Deportation Policy," which state leaders said targets noncitizens with legal status, "especially college students and faculty who express political beliefs with which the administration disagrees."
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"The administration cannot criminalize free speech or weaponize immigration laws against lawful residents because it dislikes their views," Maryland Attorney General Brown said.
Understanding Student Visas
Typically, F-1 visas last for the duration of a student’s college education and can be extended if the path to graduation takes longer than planned. Those with student visas are temporarily afforded the same rights as American citizens.
Of the nearly 5,000 students at College Park that have student visas, 84% have an F-1 visa, which grants international students a temporary stay in the country to attend an accredited academic institution.
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