Two University of Akron students have had their visas revoked, a university spokesperson confirmed Friday evening.
The students also had their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records deleted, the spokesperson said. Both students are now working with immigration attorneys.
SEVIS is a database maintained by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to keep records on foreign students at American schools.
The University of Akron spokesperson was not available to answer further questions by the time of publication.
The University of Akron news follows a rash of similar incidents involving international students across Ohio as well as the nation. An email from Kent State University President Todd Diacon, sent to members of the university community Friday afternoon, said a current international student and three recent graduates with Optional Practical Training (OPT) post-graduate work permits had their visas revoked.
Diacon said in the email that the university “was not given advanced notice nor specific reasons for these actions.” He said the university was attempting to contact the students to make sure they knew of the change in their status.
“Kent State values its international students. They are a part of our community. They are Golden Flashes,” Diacon said.
”There are many factors here beyond our control, but we will continue to engage with law enforcement and our campus partners,” Diacon said, “to make sure our university community is informed with the latest guidance.”
He continued, “The Office of Global Education reminds international students to make sure they have a copy of their documents with them and additional copies with local friends and/or family members.”
Reports: International students impacted at Ohio State, University of Cincinnati
Five students at Ohio State University had their visas revoked by the Trump administration, according to reporting by the Columbus Dispatch. A “small number” of international students at the University of Cincinnati had their visas revoked, the university president said.
What happens to college students whose visas were revoked?
The Department of Homeland Security is sending orders to students whose visas are revoked to leave the country immediately, according to the Associated Press.
The Trump administration has sparked outcry by arresting and detaining Mahmoud Khalil, whose attorney said he is a permanent resident with a green card, which allows people to live in the United States indefinitely. Khalil was a graduate student at Columbia University and an outspoken Palestinian activist. His jailing has inspired protests in New York City.
It’s unclear whether any of the students whose visas were revoked in Ohio had ties to activist causes.
