Students come together to discuss the impact of recent visa revocations at UCLA.
The federal government has revoked the visas of a dozen international students at UCLA, consisting of six current students and six recent graduates. This decision is part of a wider trend affecting university students across the country, raising concerns about the treatment of international students and the transparency of the visa termination process. Community support is being mobilized, with legal resources provided to those affected, amidst mounting anxiety about the implications for their educational futures.
In a surprising turn of events, the federal government has decided to revoke the visas of a dozen international students at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). This announcement came straight from Chancellor Julio Frenk, who shared the news with the Bruin community on April 6, 2025. Among those affected are six current students and six recent graduates.
UCLA discovered the visa revocations during a routine audit of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records. The students’ visas were revoked due to violations of their visa program terms, as reported by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). However, exact details regarding these alleged violations have not been disclosed by federal authorities, leaving many in the dark about what went wrong.
Chancellor Frenk reassured the community that there has been no known federal law enforcement activity related to these terminations on campus. Yet, the situation is part of a larger issue affecting university students across the country. Reports indicate that at least 83 visas have been revoked among various institutions in the University of California and California State University systems, along with Stanford University, heightening concerns among the student population.
This recent action is not just an isolated incident. It aligns with a broader trend observed under the Trump administration, where approximately 300 student visas have been revoked. The crackdown seems to focus on international students, particularly those engaging in political activism. Reports from UC Santa Cruz reveal that three students had their visas terminated without any prior notification, raising questions about the transparency of the procedures involved.
Additionally, UC Davis reported seven students and five graduates facing similar fates, while UC Berkeley and UC San Diego also experienced their own allegations of visa revocations. In a particularly alarming case at UC San Diego, one student was detained for potential deportation at the border, highlighting the serious ramifications these decisions can have on students’ lives.
The atmosphere on campus has become one of uncertainty and anxiety as both faculty and students band together to support those impacted. Efforts are being made to provide legal resources and guidance on how to navigate the complex situation surrounding immigration enforcement. As a precaution, an ICE tip sheet is being circulated among students to help them understand how to handle potential encounters with immigration authorities.
Moreover, several anonymous lawsuits are in the works against the federal government, asserting that the visa terminations were put into effect unlawfully. Such legal challenges underscore the heightened emotional toll on students who fear for their educational futures.
For those who find themselves affected by these recent visa revocations, it is crucial to seek external legal counsel. Guidance is being offered on how to maintain their visa status and respond adequately to the termination notifications they received.
The recent uptick in visa revocations has raised eyebrows, with speculations suggesting connections to students’ political activities, particularly those involved in pro-Palestinian protests. However, the reason behind many recent cancellations remains unclear and unexplained. As the UCLA community navigates these choppy waters, there remains a strong spirit of camaraderie and resilience among students and faculty, who continue to rally support for those facing an uncertain future.
As this situation unfolds, the sense of uncertainty looms large, leaving students and faculty alike hopeful for clearer communication and fair treatment of all international students.
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