George Mason University announced on Tuesday that the visas of some of its international students had been revoked.
In an email to the student body, GMU’s president Gregory Washington stated, “In recent days, George Mason University has learned that the U.S. Government has terminated and/or revoked student visas of 15 international students. To date, these terminations have occurred without involvement of or prior notice to the university.”
Washington said that GMU has asked federal authorities what process is being used to identify students for revocations. However, the school had not yet been given any answers. “We are also seeking appropriate legal clarity from legal support referred to us by the state Attorney General’s Office,” Washington stated.
GMUs’ Office of International Programs and Services is offering the affected students support and resources. The university is advising the students to work with their academic deans to complete coursework. And the school’s Provost Office is encouraging faculty to provide the students with as much flexibility as possible.
Washington stressed that GMU had no role in the visa terminations. “To be clear, we have played no role in facilitating these visa terminations. We have not shared confidential student visa status or immigration information with federal authorities. As stated in a number of meetings on this matter, to date, we have not been asked for any information by the current administration to aid an immigration enforcement action. GMU police officers do not engage individuals solely on the basis of immigration or visa status. Additionally, to our knowledge, federal agents have not been to campus to engage or detain international students.”
Revoked Student Visas at Virginia Tech
On April 10, Virginia Tech’s president Tim Sands issued a statement that “three undergraduate students, four graduate students, and two alumni have had their SEVIS [Student and Exchange Visitor Information System] records terminated, which generally means they must leave the U.S. immediately. We do not know why the terminations occurred and are seeking additional information from the State Department and Department of Homeland Security.”
Sands stated that VT values its international students. “Representing more than 130 countries, their talent, global perspectives, and diverse ideas are an important part of our teaching and research mission. Their cultures, traditions, and histories enrich all of our lives and they are true Hokies.”
VT plans to host an online student information session about current immigration issues on Friday, April 18.
Feature image courtesy Evan Cantwell/George Mason University
