LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Four international students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas had their visas revoked by federal immigration authorities, prompting concern and fear among other international students on campus.
In an email sent to students and staff on April 4, UNLV Executive Vice President and Provost Chris Heavy confirmed the visa revocations. The university did not disclose the names of the affected students or the reasons for the action, but said it is offering support and guidance to help the students complete the spring semester.
One international student at UNLV, who asked to remain anonymous, said that what happened shook the community.
“I’m scared for myself and my friends,” they said. “Most of us have a few years to graduate and it’s quite scary that something like this has happened.”
The situation reflects a broader trend reported at universities across the country. Michael Kagan, director of the UNLV Immigration Clinic, said his office has seen an increase in students seeking legal help. He said he can’t speak to the specifics of these students’ situations, but he explained in general, across the country, there have been cases of these types of visas being revoked due to political speech, including but not exclusively participating in protests.
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“Be careful what you post on social media, be careful what you like on social media because you never know,” the UNLV international student said. “Just be careful and honestly do not join any protest, even if it’s the betterment for your visa status.”
A UNLV law student who also spoke on condition of anonymity said she felt a wave of emotions after reading the university’s message – heartbreak, confusion and fear. But she added that fear isn’t just limited to international students.
“It’s also students whose families are mixed status,” she said. “As someone who comes from a mixed status family and also cannot be talking about their political opinions on stuff, it’s hard.”
FOX5 is working to learn what happens next. Whether these students can appeal, if they’ve been asked to leave, or if more revocations could be coming.
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