The Trump administration last week revoked visas for two University of Akron students, four Kent State students, five Ohio State University students and several students at the University of Cincinnati.
It’s not immediately known why their visas were revoked, or why federal authorities took the actions.
Signal Akron is explaining some of the reasons given for why this is happening, the impact it could have at Ohio institutions of higher education, and how international students can prepare and respond.
How many international students are there in Akron?
At the University of Akron, 533 students with student immigration visas were enrolled this semester in classes.
Across the United States, more than 1.1 million international students from more than 210 places of origin were enrolled in institutions of higher education during the 2023-2024 academic year, according to the Institute of International Education. This was a 7% increase over the previous academic year. National data shows international students are largely studying in STEM fields.
A university spokesperson said the UA was not given advance notice nor was it asked to cooperate last week with the revocations of the two student visas. Officials did refer the two students to immigration attorneys.
“We will do our best to work with the two students regarding their individual situations,” the spokesperson said via email when asked about how the university will handle academic responsibilities following the visas being revoked.
Why is the federal government revoking student visas?
Last month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that nearly 300 students had their visas revoked for voicing political opinions about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, with many of the students engaging in pro-Palestinian activism.
“Every time I find one of these lunatics, I take away their visas,” Rubio said during a March 27 press conference.
The student visa crackdown has continued into April, with The Guardian reporting on Monday that at least 40 additional students have had their visas revoked. This push is a part of the broader Trump administration crackdown on both legal and undocumented immigration.
The federal efforts have sparked outrage and protests, especially following the public arrest and detention of several students. Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate student at Columbia University who is a lawful permanent resident, was detained following his public advocacy for the Palestinian cause.
“Looking at the big picture, these visa revocations have a chilling effect on free speech in the United States,” Courtney Koski, an attorney with the Northeast Ohio-based Costas Law Firm, told Signal Akron in an email. “The Trump administration is using fear to silence international students expressing their opinions through constitutionally-protected activity, such as protest and journalism.”
Is it legal to revoke student visas?
Yes, the federal government can revoke student visas for any reason, said Christina Foliacci, an attorney at Brown Immigration Law, which has offices in Cleveland and Columbus.
“The main issue and primary focus is whether the proper mechanisms are being put in place to protect against due process violations,” she told Signal Akron in an email.
Do international students in America have the same rights as U.S. citizens?
International students maintain some protections afforded to American citizens under the U.S. Constitution, although not all, according to NAFSA: Association of International Educators.This is especially important to note given that the federal government has detained and worked to deport international students for speaking out politically, an action that’s protected by the First Amendment.
What are the potential impacts on higher education in Northeast Ohio?
A University of Akron spokesperson said it’s unknown what impact a crackdown on international students could have on the university in the coming years. President R.J. Nemer has said international student recruitment and retention is a path the university wants to pursue to put it on better financial ground, though how university leadership will navigate shifting federal policy is unknown.
“There are major concerns that the region and Ohio will see a drop in the innovative contributions of diverse individuals and cultures,” Foliacci said.
In Akron area, what can international students do to prepare for the Trump administration’s crackdown?
Several universities across the state, including the UA and Kent State, have issued guidance to their international student populations.
In an email to the student body following news of students having their visas revoked, Kent State President Todd Diacon urged international students to “make sure they have a copy of their documents with them” and to “immediately contact Kent State’s Office of General Counsel” if they’re contacted by local, state or federal law enforcement.
The University of Akron has an international student handbook that can help them navigate the U.S. immigration system and ensure they’re in compliance with the rules around their international study, though it hasn’t been updated since 2022.
Foliacci said students should be in direct contact with their campus advisers, and it’s “highly recommended” they consult with an immigration attorney when navigating the visa process.
Students can also contact immigration attorneys or other immigrant rights organizations, like the International Institute of Akron or law firms like Brown Immigration Law or Sarmiento Immigration, both of which offer free consultations.
Do international students have any recourse if their visas are revoked or if they’re detained?
If a student has their visa revoked and Student and Exchange Visitor Information System record terminated, which occurred with the two University of Akron students, their immigration status becomes immediately invalid, according to reporting by The Guardian.
“Students can file for reinstatement of a student visa at any time with USCIS,” Foliacci said. “Additionally, students can look into an alternative non-immigrant visa status. It is always highly recommended to consult an experienced immigration attorney when navigating the visa process.”
If their records are deleted, they have 15 days to voluntarily leave the country. Students do have some recourse if their visa is revoked, but this again raises the alarm about due process violations.
“For those who are detained by immigration authorities, it is best to contact an immigration attorney as soon as possible,” said Koski, the attorney. “Time is of the essence when it comes to cases involving immigration detention.”
